POWDER POST BEETLE SERVICE

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Powder post beetles refers to the 3 families of beetles called Bostrichid, Lyctid, and Anobid. The larvae of these beetles reduce timbers to a mass of fine powder like material. The adults do not cause damage and usually have short life spans. The damage they cause is second only to termite damage. The common identification of damage  would be small pin hole openings on the surface of the wood. (Fig. 2) These infestations are common to a lot of seasoned wood. They are distinguished by the types of frass (saw dust materials) that are expelled from the wood.

     To prevent infestations areas such as crawl spaces must be well ventilated and wood be free of high moisture. 

   Before control of powder post beetles in an infested structure first it must be determined there is an active infestation. This is done be a series of inspections and test done. Mostly the adults emerge in greatest numbers from April to July. During this time it is likely to see signs of fresh frass coming from the holes. Sometimes when possible it is helpful to lay clean plastic under suspected sites for monitoring of the frass. Some species even make ticking noises ,so a careful ear may help determination. 

     To control active infestations the most common techniques are fumigations and direct chemical spraying of the wood. At DellPest we do all treatments by chemically spraying. First the Homeowner must prepare the area by making access clear of the treated area including removing any insulation against the wood. Next, DellPest will prepare a water mixed solution according to label such as a product called Timbor or Boracare and fan spray all wood surfaces. We prefer to treat entire structures due to likely spreading of the beetles. After treatment the homeowner must let the structure vent and dry for a specified amount of time. The products we use for this is safe and hardly has any odor.