Living in central Florida, you’ve probably at least heard of powderpost beetles. If you’ve never actually experienced an infestation from this type of insect, however, consider yourself lucky. These pests are well known for the damage they can cause to everything from furniture to tools to the structure of your home. If you think you might be dealing with a powderpost beetle infestation, here is everything you need to know about the critters.
Appearance
There are actually several varieties of beetles that fall under the “powderpost” category. The one thing that each of these has in common is an elongated, cylindrical body, rather than the rounded bodies that you’ll find on other types of beetles. This shape makes the heads of these beetles more visible and distinct. Powderpost beetles also have two antennas, which may or may not have an unusual clubbed shape. Adult beetles range in size from 1/8 inch to 1 inch, depending on the variety, and most are black, brown, or even reddish in color.
Signs of Infestation
The first sign of infestation are small piles of sawdust. If you see these on any of your wood-based property, you may be experiencing a powderpost beetle infestation. These piles of dust are actually what gave the beetles their interesting moniker, as the piles have a powdery appearance. Pinhead-sized holes will accompany the powder, and will also indicate that you have an infestation currently or had one in the past.
How to Get Rid of Powderpost Beetles
There are several methods for treating a powderpost beetle infestation. The first step is determining whether or not you have an active infestation—where adult beetles are currently feeding—so a proper plan of action can be determined. A certified pest control professional will be able to help you determine this. Once your situation is assessed, management options may include heating, freezing, fumigating, liquid insecticides, or simply replacing the damaged areas to remove the pests.