Problems With The Wood Boring Beetle

Wood Boring Beetles are a serious concern within many industries due to their destructive nature and unparalleled damage to both natural forest and wooden consumer goods. Because of their lifestyle several species grouped within the wood borer category are actually born within wooden structures and manage to go unnoticed until they reach adulthood. This not only empowers these insects by keeping their numbers steadily growing, but it also helps relocate them throughout the United States and around the world as passengers within cut timber, furniture, and wooden construction materials.

The major beetles that are in the woodborer category within the United States are the Powderpost Beetle, the Bark Beetle, the Ambrosia Beetle, and the Old House Borer. As well, there are numerous other less common types of beetles that can and will bore into wood.

The average wood borer is hatched from an egg that was either deposited on the surface of damaged wood or within a small hole beneath the surface. From birth the larvae begin to bore their way towards the surface and the average beetle will go through several molting cycles during this long journey. Shortly after reaching adulthood this class of beetle will exit the wooden structure and begin to lay eggs of its own, and many of these species will die shortly afterward. The problem is that eggs that were laid beneath the surface of the wood will continue to develop, even after a tree is cut down or falls from natural structural damage. Often this lumber is then harvested by humans if the tiny bore holes are overlooked and can be shipped anywhere within the country to be used for various needs. Even if the wood is trimmed, stained, and crafted into a finished product the wood boring beetle still has excellent chances of survival, and once it reaches adulthood more eggs will be laid beneath the surface.

Ridding of the wood boring beetle is not an easy task to tackle because few ever see this species active. A good alternative is for homeowners to be able to identify their rounded exit marks and white powdery dust that is present within wood products both inside and outside the home. Much of the time the exit holes are thought to be the work of carpenter ants, or termites, and because there is no activity coming from these holes the homeowner will think it inactive. The idea is to look for the fine white powder that looks like flour. If you notice this, then you certainly have an infestation.

Despite there being many pesticides on the market to deal with all kinds of wood boring beetles, the really strong ones can only be bought by a certified pest control specialist. Some have been successful killed by smothering these beetles within furniture by encasing the item in plastic, and others have recommended putting the wooden item in a freezer to kill the beetles.

If you are concerned that wood boring beetles are within your property do ahead and call an experienced professional that can assist you in determining the best way to deal with the problem.