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powderpost beetle in massachusetts

What are powderpost beetles?

Powderpost beetles are a wood-boring insect. Adult powderpost beetles will lay their eggs on or just below the surface of unfinished food. After the eggs hatch they will damage the wood slowly overtime as the larvae chew narrow tunnels through the wood feeding on it and reducing it to a fine flour-like powder. When they have fully matured, the adults will then chew a hole at the surface of the wood that is about the diameter of a pinhead to exit it.

What do they look like?

Depending on the species of adult powderpost beetle they can measure anywhere from 1/16th to 3/16th of an inch in length. They are generally reddish-brown to black in color and have an elongated, narrow, flattened body. Larvae are about ¼ of an inch long and are almost completely white in color. The body of the larvae is shaped like the letter “C”.

Do powderpost beetles bite?

Powderpost beetles have the ability to bite but rarely if ever do since they spend most of their lives inside of wood.

Are powderpost beetles dangerous?

Powderpost beetles are not dangerous to people but are very dangerous to the structure of wood that can be found in and around your home. The type and age of wood that they infest is species dependent but both hardwoods and softwoods can be infested.

What are the signs of a powderpost beetle infestation?

A sign of a powderpost beetle infestation includes finding exit holes in wood that are about 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch in diameter. Another sign is finding piles of powdery dust that is very fine underneath those exit holes.

Why do I have a powderpost beetle infestation?

Purchasing wood or wood products that have already been infested with powderpost beetles and bringing them into your home is the most common way a powderpost beetle infestation occurs.

How do I get rid of powderpost beetles?

It is very difficult to eliminate a powderpost beetle problem. Professionals will be able to correctly identify the powderpost beetle as well as determine the extent of the damage they have caused. They will then provide a safe, effective solution to eliminate them from your home. If you are seeing signs of powderpost beetles in your home contact the professionals at Big Blue Bug Solutions today.

Powderpost beetle prevention tips

As a homeowner, there are several ways to prevent your home from becoming infested with powderpost beetles. Before bringing wood items into your home, especially old wood (i.e. barn wood) inspect it for signs of powderpost beetles (small holes in the surface of the wood). Make sure that the wood you are purchasing has been properly stored and dried. Also, painting or finishing exposed bare wood in your home will prevent powderpost beetles since they will not lay their eggs on finished wood surfaces.

 

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