Controlling Powder Post Beetles

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Like most homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, you’re familiar with anobiid beetles, also known as powder post beetles. These pests prefer damp timber in poorly ventilated areas. Powderpost beetles infest basements or crawlspaces, often indicating a water leak or a moisture issue.

Powder Post Beetle Control

To survive, these beetles need a moisture content of 13% to 18%. Typically, adult beetles lay eggs in cracks and depressions of structural timbers, predominantly Douglas-fir, in the Pacific Northwest. Upon emergence, larvae bore into wood and may feed for 5–6 years or longer. These pests are small but mighty and can cause severe damage to your home if left unchecked. Fortunately, our powderpost beetle inspection can help put your mind at ease.

A trained professional from Sunrise Pest & Turf Management will thoroughly inspect your home for any signs of an infestation, and if one is found, we’ll work with you to develop a customized plan to eradicate it. We also provide free consultations to help identify any potential moisture issues that may be attracting the beetles in the first place. So don’t wait — call us today!

Powderpost beetles are small, wood-boring insects that lay their eggs in the wood’s pores, and the larvae that hatch from these eggs bore into the wood, causing extensive damage. If you’re concerned about powder post beetles infesting your home, there are some things you can do to prevent them. First and foremost, sanitation is critical. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, making it harder for powderpost beetles to find a place to lay their eggs. 

You should also regularly inspect your home for beetle infestations, such as small holes in wood or sawdust. Signs of an infestation may also include many small pin-sized exit holes that resemble the wood being shot with birdshot. Seeing frass on floors or ledges can indicate a current or past infestation of Anobiid beetles. Many times, these beetles get called out during a home inspection; we can help. The wood needs to be free of paint, stains, or varnish, as well as having all insulation removed before treatment. We will spray all the wood down to a drip point. This service will not kill all beetles in the wood but will help with re-infestation. Since these beetles need moisture to survive, addressing the moisture issue will be necessary for complete control. Sometimes, if the wood is severely damaged, the wood may need to be removed and replaced. 

Wood-boring beetles can seriously damage your home, eating away at the wood and leaving behind a powdery substance and tiny holes. These pests are not picky about the type of wood they infest, so any type of wood in your home is vulnerable. A professional inspection will be able to determine the extent of the infestation and come up with a plan to get rid of these unwanted guests. Don’t wait until it’s too late — call us today!