Wood Boring Beetle Control in New Jersey

Wood-boring beetles cause significant damage

Certain beetles, known as wood-boring beetles, pose a threat to wooden structures by feeding on wood. These beetles, primarily active in their larval stage, can cause extensive damage to wood while remaining hidden from view. The holes observed in structural wood or furniture indicate the exit points of the beetle larvae after they have completed their feeding cycle. Wood-boring beetles are typically drawn to the same type of wood in which they were hatched. Given their location deep within the wood, traditional spray treatments are ineffective against these pests. Professional pest control services are required to effectively address wood-boring beetle infestations and mitigate the damage to wooden structures.

Cowleys Pest Services offers beetle control in Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County. Our professional beetle exterminators serve customers throughout Edison, Somerset, Lakewood and more. Contact our pest removal experts today to handle your beetle infestation.

Beetles have their favorite food too

The three primary wood-boring beetles, namely the Lyctid Powderpost Beetle, the Anobiid Powderpost Beetle, and the Round-headed Wood Borer (often referred to as the old house borer), present distinct challenges for homeowners. Lyctid and Anobiid Beetles are small, ranging from reddish-brown to black in color. One key difference lies in the visibility of their heads from above; the Lyctid's head is visible, whereas the Anobiid's is not. Despite this variation, both beetles share the common behavior of boring into wood to feed on starch, causing significant damage in the process.Lyctid beetles are particularly attracted to hardwoods found in furniture, flooring, and cabinets, while Anobiid Beetles tend to infest softwood, especially in damp areas. The resulting damage is often exacerbated by water entering the wood through exit holes.

Powderpost beetles typically enter homes as eggs or larvae in firewood or improperly stored or dried new molding. Infestations are most prevalent in hardwood flooring and paneling. The initial indication of an infestation is often the appearance of fine talcum powder-like frass emanating from small, round holes in the wood. Additionally, the presence of small, elongated black beetles on windowsills and other surfaces serves as another telltale sign of an infestation. Given the destructive potential of these beetles, seeking professional pest control services is essential to effectively address the infestation and minimize damage to the property.

Powderpost beetles

Powderpost Beetles pose a significant threat to seasoned wood, ranking second only to termites in terms of the damage they cause to wood and wood products. These small wood-boring insects target both hardwoods and softwoods, with hardwood infestations being more common. The name "powderpost" reflects the type of damage they inflict, as they produce powdery wood dust as they emerge.

The larvae of these beetles, often referred to as "woodworms," spend the majority of their lives tunneling within the wood in search of starch and other nutrients. The duration of their development varies depending on factors such as temperature and moisture, ranging from months to several years. Upon completing their development, the larvae tunnel back to the surface to pupate into adult beetles. These adult beetles then mate and lay eggs, perpetuating the cycle for future generations.

What makes Powderpost Beetles particularly damaging is their ability to infest dry, seasoned wood repeatedly over many years and generations. Unlike other wood-boring insects that limit their damage potential by not infesting wood beyond the first generation, Powderpost Beetles can continue to wreak havoc over time.

In Monmouth County and Ocean County, several species of Powderpost Beetles are prevalent. Some species exclusively target hardwoods like oak, ash, walnut, and hickory, commonly found in hardwood floors, molding, furniture, and door frames. Others prefer softwoods like pine, often used in structural timbers. While wood damage occurs gradually, sealing hardwoods with paint, varnish, or wax can provide protection against Powderpost Beetle infestations.

It's essential to be vigilant for signs of Powderpost Beetle damage, particularly from April through July when adults emerge, leaving characteristic "birdshot" holes in the wood. Identifying whether the damage is old or evidence of an active infestation can be challenging. Therefore, consulting a qualified pest control professional is crucial for accurate identification and determining the appropriate course of action for treatment.

Old house borers

Old House Borers are large insects with a life cycle that can extend to 10 years or more. The adults are often large colorful beetles with long antennae. The larvae are usually large, cream-colored with a distinct head capsule. These beetles attack only softwoods and the initial introduction typically occurs while lumber is being stored in a lumberyard. These borers create large tunnels whose exit holes can be up to ½ inch wide. The first emergence of these beetles typically appears within five to seven years after construction.

The earliest indication of an Old House Borer infestation is usually the noise made by older larvae chewing in the wood. The appearance of oval emergency holes is the next step. The frass consists of fine powder and small tightly packed pellets. Like other wood-boarding beetle infestations, the most structural damage is caused by water infiltrating into exterior emergency holes, promoting decay.

If you have a beetle infestation in your Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County home, contact the pest control professionals at Cowleys Pest Services. We serve Edison, Lakewood, Somerset, Brick, Toms River, Piscataway, Bridgewater, Middletown, Princeton Junction, Old Bridge and surrounding New Jersey.

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