What are Powder Post Beetles?

The name, Powderpost beetles is given due to the fact that in high numbers they are able to turn the inside of a piece of wood into nothing more than a mass of fine powder. These wood destroying beetles can do significant damage to furniture, wood floors and structural timbers. Powder post beetles are small (1/8 inch) and the adult beetles are seldom seen. Most of the life cycle is spent in the grub or larvae stage eating wood.

How Do These Beetles Damage Wood?

Damage is done by the larvae as they create narrow, meandering tunnels in wood as they feed. This stage can last between 1-10 years depending upon a number of factors; these include species of beetle, type of wood infested, age of wood, moisture content of wood and air temperature.

How Do I know If I’m Infested?

People do not realize that the wood is infested until the adult beetles emerge from within the wood. The exit holes are very small, about the size of a pin head. Newly emerged adults mate and lay eggs on or below the surface of bare (unfinished) wood. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae which bore into the wood, emerging as adults 1-10 years later. Infestations develop slowly, but wood can be re-infested year after year.

How Do I Know If There’s Damage?

Homeowners are more likely to see damage than the beetles, themselves, because the adults are short-lived and are active mainly at night. When the wood is tapped with a hammer, dust will fall from these exit holes.

What Can I Do To Prevent Infestation?

• Inspect the floor or moldings beneath interior wood walls. Little piles of sawdust indicate beetles have been in the wood, but are not necessarily a sign of active infestation.
• Schedule yearly inspections with a qualified inspector.