POWDER POST BEETLES attack only seasoned hardwood and generally feed on seasoned wood. Thus, powder post beetles found in hardwood floors or furniture would not be expected to also attack the softwood (e.g.; pine) structural timbers in a home. On the other hand, DEATHWATCH BEETLES and FALSE POWDER POST BEETLES can attack both softwoods and hardwoods and also generally feed on seasoned woods. One of the most significant wood infesters is the OLD HOUSE BORER, which generally attacks structural softwoods. Contrary to its name, it is often found in newer homes built with infested wood and will readily reinfest structural timbers. Wood that is improperly kiln-dried or treated, or wood that is stored too long is more likely to be attacked by wood borers.

There are several indications that wood boring beetles are present in a wood member. Immature beetles tunneling in wood may cause an audible rasping or ticking sound most often heard during quiet times at night. Another indication may be a blistered appearance on the wood caused by larvae (worms) tunneling just below the wood surface. In feeding, beetles often push white to yellow powdery frass (sawdust-like stuff) through holes made in infested wood. The consistency of the frass ranges from fine to coarse, depending on the species. Entry or exit holes without the frass may also be observed. Occasionally, wood staining or the actual sighting of adult beetles will be noted. Adult beetles emerging from their havens are often attracted to lights or windows. The majority of wood borers (flatheaded borers, roundheaded borers, ambrosia beetles and timberworms) are found shortly after a structure is built.

(This is especially true of new log homes or cabins.) Adults of these species generally will emerge within a few years after a building has been constructed and will not reinfest other wood. There are exceptions, of course, such as the old house borer. Proper identifications is extremely important since controls vary according to species.

CONTROL CLUE

Prevention is the best control. Carefully inspect antique furniture, picture frames, bamboo products and other wood items before buying them. Consider any evidence of emergence holes, larval infestation or frass presence to be an indication of active infestation. Store fireplace wood as far from home as possible and only bring in firewood that will be immediately burned. Adult beetles can emerge from wood stored in the home and infest structural wood or furniture.

Small home furnishings, wooden artifacts or small furniture pieces may be treated by freezing, but it is necessary to maintain the items at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for several weeks to effect control. A localized infestation may be treated by applying a residual insecticide. Two coats are desirable, with the second being applied before the first completely dries. Proper treatment of unfinished wood may be effective for 10 years or more, but this will eliminate only adults that emerge or that attempt to reinfest. Larval development beneath the wood surface often continues and deep-boring beetles such as the old house borer are usually not reached.