What Does a Powderpost Beetle Look Like?
Powderpost beetles are wood-boring beetles that are native to Wisconsin and can cause damage to wood. The adults are extremely small, less than 1/4 of an inch in size. They have a flat, cylindrical body and are reddish-brown to black in color. They have two pairs of wings and a pair of short antennae. Their larvae are creamy white with dark brown heads.
What are the Signs of a Powderpost Beetle Infestation?
Powderpost beetles lay their eggs in wood. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the wood and create a series of tunnels. Once the insects reach adulthood, they tunnel their way out of the wood, leaving behind tiny, pin-sized holes. Powderpost beetles will produce small piles of fine, powder-like dust as they burrow in wood. You may also hear ticking sounds made by the larvae in wood.
Powderpost Beetle Control in Milwaukee, WI
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers powderpost beetle control and extermination services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our certified pest control professionals provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate wood-boring beetles and other wood-destroying insects from your home or business. We provide thorough home pest inspections, and WDI reports for new homeowners, real estate agents, and VA loans. All areas with exposed wood will be checked and form NPMA-33 will be completed.
How Can I Prevent Powderpost Beetles?
The following prevention tips will help deter powderpost beetles from your property.
- Inspect wood items before bringing them indoors.
- Powderpost beetles will only attack unfinished or untreated wood, so stain, paint, and varnish wood.
- Store your firewood away from the exterior of your house.
How Serious are Powderpost Beetles?
Like termites, powderpost beetles will feed on hardwoods and can be found in hardwood floors, timbers, crates, and antiques. Powderpost beetle tunnels weaken wood and compromise the structural integrity of wood structures. They can damage furniture, flooring, molding, and paneling. A long-term infestation in a house can cause severe structural damage that may cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
Powderpost Beetle FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are powderpost beetles dangerous to humans?
No, powderpost beetles are not dangerous to humans. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases.
Do powderpost beetles have wings?
Yes, adult powderpost beetles have two pairs of wings that allow them to fly.
How do powderpost beetles damage wood?
Powderpost beetles lay eggs in wood, and the larvae that hatch eat their way out of the wood, leaving tunnels behind. This can cause extensive damage to wood and wood products, such as crown molding, window and door frames, hardwood floors, and furniture.
How long do powderpost beetles live?
Adult powderpost beetles generally live for two to five weeks after emerging from wood.