What do powderpost beetles look like?
Powderpost beetles are reddish-brown to black in color, adults grow from 1/8 to ¼ of an inch in length depending on the exact species, two of the more common species are the lyctid and anobiid powderpost beetles. Powderpost beetles are winged, they have six legs and a narrow, oval-shaped body which is covered in fine hair. A common sign of their presence inside of homes is finding numerous small holes about 1/16-to 1/8-inch in diameter or a fine, powder-like sawdust on flooring, paneling, wood furniture, and other wooden objects.
Do powderpost beetles bite?
No, powderpost beetles do not bite people or pets.
Are powderpost beetles dangerous?
Powderpost beetles are not dangerous to people, but they are dangerous to property. Powderpost beetles tunnel through and live their lives in wooden objects like the flooring, walls, lumber, and antique wooden furniture. Powderpost beetle families live together in the same area or piece of wood for many generations, the tunnels that they create can cause significate damage to the wooden structure that they are invading. Inside of homes, the lyctid powderpost beetles prefer hardwood that is no older than 5 years; the anobiid beetle prefers softer, older, and damaged wood.
Why do I have a powderpost beetle problem?
The most common way that wood destroying beetles enter into homes is when an already infested piece of barn wood, lumber, or furniture is brought inside of a home. Also, if these wood destroying beetles are invading hard or softwood trees found on your property they may find their way inside your home through cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls while they are out and about foraging for food.
How do you get rid of powderpost beetles?
Contact Spencer Pest Services to rid your home of damaging and invasive powderpost beetles. At Spencer Pest Services our professionals will partner with you to create a tailored pest control program to exclude wood damaging powderpost beetles and other invasive common household pests from your home. Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control services throughout Upstate of South Carolina and northern Georgia.
