Powder post beetles are classified as a wood destroying insect. Unlike termites, which
are a wood consuming insect, powder post beetles destroy the wood by nesting in it. If it is
one piece of wood or timber alone, the infestation generally runs its course within 3-5 years
at which time the powder post beetles will move to a new area. However, when this one
piece of timber is within the framework of your home, the new area into which they move will
also be within your home.
The female of this species commonly burrows into the timber or finds a crack, crevice, or
recess within the timber in which to fill with eggs. These insects over winter in the wood and
hatch in the spring, usually late March to early April. The larva then chew their way out of
the wood as they continue to grow, eventually emerging as adults and leaving what is
called an exit hole. Many times insect frass (similar to sawdust) will also be
apparent, trickling down from the exit hole after having been pushed out as
the insect emerges. Because these insects are very reclusive and
therefore seldom seen, an infestation is generally determined to be active
or inactive by observing the exit holes. If the infestation is active and relatively
recent, the exit holes will appear lighter in color (similar to the color of a fresh cut into a
piece of wood) and there may be frass present. Observing exit holes and frass can also
help determine the age of an infestation.
Treatment is often necessary to control a powder post beetle infestation, and for
treatment to be successful, there are certain preparations that must be made. Most
treatments consist of a general surface spray, surface treating various floor joists, bond
joists, sill plates, etc. If the infestation is in the flooring, which is frequent, it should be
treated as well and should always be treated if it is of similar wood. To allow for a proper
treatment, some items may have to be removed or prepped. Any insulation covering these
surfaces should be removed to allow the pesticide to reach the wood. Older homes
sometimes have tree trunks used for beams or floor joists, and any bark still on this wood
should be removed to allow the pesticide to penetrate into the desired areas. Gaining
access to perform a thorough treatment is key to control. It may also be necessary to have
the property inspected by a construction expert to determine structural soundness.
To avoid a powder post beetle infestation in your home, controlling moisture is very
important in reducing the appeal to these insects. Running a dehumidifier spring through
fall, covering dirt floors or crawl areas with a vapor barrier, and sufficient ventilation all
greatly help in reducing the chances of an infestation by making it less attractive to the
powder post beetles.
are a wood consuming insect, powder post beetles destroy the wood by nesting in it. If it is
one piece of wood or timber alone, the infestation generally runs its course within 3-5 years
at which time the powder post beetles will move to a new area. However, when this one
piece of timber is within the framework of your home, the new area into which they move will
also be within your home.
The female of this species commonly burrows into the timber or finds a crack, crevice, or
recess within the timber in which to fill with eggs. These insects over winter in the wood and
hatch in the spring, usually late March to early April. The larva then chew their way out of
the wood as they continue to grow, eventually emerging as adults and leaving what is
called an exit hole. Many times insect frass (similar to sawdust) will also be
apparent, trickling down from the exit hole after having been pushed out as
the insect emerges. Because these insects are very reclusive and
therefore seldom seen, an infestation is generally determined to be active
or inactive by observing the exit holes. If the infestation is active and relatively
recent, the exit holes will appear lighter in color (similar to the color of a fresh cut into a
piece of wood) and there may be frass present. Observing exit holes and frass can also
help determine the age of an infestation.
Treatment is often necessary to control a powder post beetle infestation, and for
treatment to be successful, there are certain preparations that must be made. Most
treatments consist of a general surface spray, surface treating various floor joists, bond
joists, sill plates, etc. If the infestation is in the flooring, which is frequent, it should be
treated as well and should always be treated if it is of similar wood. To allow for a proper
treatment, some items may have to be removed or prepped. Any insulation covering these
surfaces should be removed to allow the pesticide to reach the wood. Older homes
sometimes have tree trunks used for beams or floor joists, and any bark still on this wood
should be removed to allow the pesticide to penetrate into the desired areas. Gaining
access to perform a thorough treatment is key to control. It may also be necessary to have
the property inspected by a construction expert to determine structural soundness.
To avoid a powder post beetle infestation in your home, controlling moisture is very
important in reducing the appeal to these insects. Running a dehumidifier spring through
fall, covering dirt floors or crawl areas with a vapor barrier, and sufficient ventilation all
greatly help in reducing the chances of an infestation by making it less attractive to the
powder post beetles.
| NO-RISK EXTERMINATING |
"We treat your home as if it were our own." Ed Jones
| POWDER POST BEETLES |
| No-Risk Exterminating 705 S. Kibbee Street St. Johns, MI 48879 Office (989) 227-0050 Fax (989) 227-0051 Toll Free 1-888-650-PEST (7378) nre@no-riskexterminating.com |
No-Risk Exterminating
1-888-650-PEST
nre@no-riskexterminating
1-888-650-PEST
nre@no-riskexterminating
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