When people think of wood-destroying pests, termites usually come to mind first. But there’s another group of insects that can be just as destructive—wood-boring beetles. These pests tunnel deep into wooden structures, causing extensive and often unnoticed damage until it’s too late. At Sasquatch Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and eliminating these hidden threats before they compromise the integrity of your home.
Types of Wood-Boring Beetles
Wood-boring beetles are categorized into three main groups: powderpost beetles, round-headed borers, and flat-headed borers. These groups contain beetles from five scientific families:
- Lyctidae (True Powderpost Beetles) – Prefer hardwoods, especially newer lumber. Their presence is often signaled by fine powder-like frass and tiny exit holes (0.8-1.6 mm in diameter).
- Bostrichidae (False Powderpost Beetles) – Primarily attack hardwoods but may infest softwoods. Their damage includes tunnels across the wood grain and frass that tends to clump together.
- Anobiidae (Furniture Beetles or Deathwatch Beetles) – Infest both hardwood and softwood, including seasoned wood. They leave behind small, pellet-filled frass and exit holes 1.6-3.0 mm in diameter.
- Cerambycidae (Longhorned Beetles, including the Old House Borer) – Target softwoods, often in newer buildings. They create extensive tunnels within wood and leave exit holes 6-10 mm in diameter.
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles) – Prefer unseasoned wood and do not reinfest. Their exit holes range from 2-10 mm in diameter and their tunnels are packed with sawdust-like frass.
Signs of Infestation
Wood-boring beetles can go undetected for years. Some common signs that your home may be infested include:
- Tiny, round exit holes in wood surfaces
- Fine sawdust-like frass accumulating below infested areas
- Weak or crumbling wood, especially in structural beams and furniture
- Audible clicking or tapping sounds from larvae feeding inside the wood
The Life Cycle of Wood-Boring Beetles
The real damage caused by these beetles occurs in the larval stage. After eggs are laid on or in the wood, the larvae hatch and burrow deep inside, feeding on the starches and other organic materials within. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, the larvae can take months or even years to mature before emerging as adults. Once they exit the wood, they mate, lay eggs, and the cycle begins again.
How to Prevent and Control Wood-Boring Beetles
Prevention Tips
- Use seasoned and treated wood in construction projects.
- Seal all exposed wood surfaces with varnish, polyurethane, or paint to prevent egg-laying.
- Store firewood outside and bring it indoors only when ready to use.
- Maintain proper ventilation in crawl spaces, attics, and basements to reduce moisture.
Non-Chemical Control Methods
- Heat Treatment: Raising the temperature of infested wood to 120°F for at least 30 minutes can kill all life stages of wood-boring beetles.
- Freezing: For smaller infested furniture pieces, freezing for several days can be an effective control method.
Chemical Treatment Options
If beetle infestations are extensive, chemical treatments may be necessary:
- Insecticidal Sprays & Borate Treatments: Applied to unfinished wood surfaces to kill emerging adults and prevent reinfestation.
- Injectable Treatments: Target existing exit holes and cracks to reach hidden larvae.
- Professional Fumigation: For severe infestations, fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride or other fumigants may be required. This method is best handled by pest control professionals.
Call Sasquatch Pest Control for Expert Solutions
Wood-boring beetles are not a problem to ignore. If you suspect your home or furniture is under attack, Sasquatch Pest Control is here to help. Our experienced team can assess the extent of the damage, recommend the most effective treatment, and implement a strategy to protect your home from future infestations.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection!
Sasquatch Pest Control
5051 Guide Meridian
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 410-2199
Learn more at https://sasquatchpestcontrol.com/
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