Pest Control in Arrowhead | Powderpost Beetle (Updated 2025)

The Various Life Stages of the Powderpost Beetle

Inhabiting wood in dry areas, powderpost beholding wood produced by softwoods and hardwoods living in powdery dust form in the interior of structures causing structural damage. The common practice of infesting timber is to leave it neither dried nor seasoned. They differ from wood destroyers like termites or carpenter ants in that they attack the built furniture, flooring, and structural wood. Pests should be detected early and controlled to contain further damage.

Types of Powderpost Beetles in Arrowhead

1. Lyctid Powderpost Beetles (Family Lyctidae)

• Prefers hardwoods such as oak, ash, and walnut.
• Infests furniture, wood cabinets, floors, and decorative trim.
• Leaves fine, flour-like sawdust near exits.

2. Bostrichid Powderpost Beetles (Family Bostrichidae)

• Attack both hardwood and softwood, especially bamboo and unfinished wood.
• More often found in newly processed lumber or newly constructed homes.
• Boar wood creating big rough-edged exit holes.

3. Anobiid Powderpost Beetles (Family Anobiidae)

• Prefer damp and poorly ventilated places like crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
• Their infested material consists of beams, joists, and underfloor areas.
• Their larva stays inside wood for many years and causes damage slowly.

Signs of Powderpost Beetle Infestation in Arrowhead

1. Fine Powdery Frass (Sawdust)

• Presence of fine, talc-like wood powder around infested wood.
• Frass falls along base boards or flooring and accumulates below exit holes.

2. Small Round Exit Holes

• Tiny, round holes (1/32 to 1/8 inch in diameter) appear on the surface of infested wood.
• These holes indicate adult beetles emerging after completing their life cycle.

3. Hollow or Weakened Wood

• Wood that is infested is structurally weak, and when tapped, crumbles easily.
• Structural integrity can be severely compromised over time.

4. Clicking or Ticking Noises

• Other species make a faint clicking sound as the larvae tunnel their way through the wood.
• These noises are most prominent in quiet areas.

5. Adult Beetle Sightings

• Adult beetles are seen with sizes between 1/8 to 1/4 inch and are usually found near infested wood.
• Emerges at night most of the time. Attracted to lights.

Common Areas Infested by Powderpost Beetles

• Furniture: Chairs, cabinets, wooden antiques, and decorative items.
• Flooring: Hardwood floors, baseboards, and wooden trim.
• Structural Wood: Beams, joists, subfloors, and attic spaces.
• Stored Wood: Firewood, lumber piles, and unfinished wood structures.

Powderpost Beetle Prevention and Control in Arrowhead

1. Moisture Reduction

• Dehumidifiers in crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
• Fix leaks and increase ventilation to prevent damp conditions.

2. Seal and Finish with Wood Surfaces

• Use varnish, paint, or sealant to unprotected wood to guard against pest invasion.
• Not using raw or unfinished wood for construction or furniture.

3. Inspect and Treat Lumber Before Their Use

• Use kiln-dried or pressure-treated wood, which is favorable for construction projects.
• Store firewood away from homes, and only bring inside what is needed.