When talking of insects that destroy woods, everyone talks about termites and carpenter ants. People hardly talk about powder post beetles because many don’t even know that such insects exist and do harm to wood.
The name “powder” post beetle was derived from the fine powder deposits that these pests create as they bore into wood. This powdered deposit is a combination of sawdust and feces called “frass.”
There are three types of powder post beetles. Some of them feed on any kind of wood- both hard and soft- while others feed only on dried and deadwood. Their color ranges from reddish-brown to brown-black, and they have a cylindrical body of up to 1/8 to 3/8 inches. Due to their tiny size, they can go unnoticed for a long time, and one can only discover their infestation when adult powder post beetles crawl out of several holes they bore in woods.
Powder post beetles wreak the most havoc during their larval stage. During this period, they burrow into wood, feed on the wood, and create hollow openings in the process. Due to their tiny nature, they may go unnoticed for a long time, when the damage had already been done.
Despite their size, powder post beetles cause as much damage to wood as termites and carpenter ants do. Due to the nature of loss that these powder post beetles cause, it is always best to prevent them from invading your home.
Like other pests, early detection is one of the best ways to prevent powder post beetles from infesting your home.
Avoid using old lumber woods in constructing woodworks, as these kinds of woods and other unfinished woods easily attract powder post beetles. Also, adequate ventilation and the use of moisture barriers help prevent the invasion of powder post beetles.
Most importantly, you need to contact a pest control professional to check your home, yard, and business for powder post beetle- to prevent or eradicate any invasion.
At Imperial Pest Prevention, we have a team of the best pest control professionals in Ormond Beach. If you need pest control in Ormond Beach, Call us today to book an appointment.