Expert: Jack DeAngelis - 11/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: what kind of bug/worm? bores holes in wood the size of a pencil lead and piles the sawdust on top of the hole?  What can be done to get rid of them?  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Stacey,

This is a perfect description of a powderpost beetle. The holes and sawdust are made when the beetle bores out of the wood. The larvae live inside for months or even years feeding on starch that is stored in the wood. The exact type of beetle depends on what kind of wood they emerge from, whether it is hardwood like oak or a softwood like pine. Here's an article about powderpost beetles http://www.livingwithbugs.com/powderpost_beetles.html that includes pictures and links to control information.

Post a follow up after looking over this material and we can discuss control options. Tell me what kind of wood is infested.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: They started in the basement windowsills.  Then they got into the canned fruit shelves.  Now they are in the floor joists. I would very much like to be rid of them before the house falls down!  Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer
Since this is softwood these are probably the type of powderpost beetle called an anobiid (Anobiidae). These beetles are more common and more destructive in damp, coastal climates than in dryer climates. Do you live near the coast or in an otherwise damp climate? Exposed wood can be treated with borate insecticide which will prevent beetles from attacking it. There are a number of products but ShellGuard, Bora Care and Timbor are the most common. Here's an article about Bora Care and Shell Guard http://www.livingwithbugs.com/bora_care.html and one about Timbor http://www.livingwithbugs.com/timbor.html for comparison. The first two materials are liquids and contain glycol while Timbor is a pure sodium borate powder. Any of these should be effective and Timbor is less expensive.

Don't be overly concerned about these beetles. While they can cause structural damage, the damage is usually slow to develop especially if the wood is relatively dry and otherwise sound. If you contact a pest control company don't let them panic you into excessive treatments.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com