Powderpost Beetles
Belonging to subfamily Lyctinae ‘powderpost beetles’ are small cylindrical, brown insects that attack hardwood. These beetles are small only about 1/8 to 3/4 inch long, these insects reduce wood to a flour-like powder hence their name. They lay eggs that mature on the infested wood and therefore their life-cycle continues when unchecked.
These insects pose a huge threat if unnoticed, especially wooden structural damage. When indoors, the powderpost beetle’s development to maturity can reach up to two years. The adult powderpost beetle lives only a few days just long enough to lay more eggs.
Dealing with these silent wood-eaters can be a huge challenge for most homeowners when facing infestation, although powder post beetles aren’t native to the areas in Southern Ontario (including Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Milton, Scarborough, Hamilton and others in Canada) does not mean infestation doesn’t occur. You can read CBC News about the The Stanleys seeking compensation from a Quebec manufacturer for insect infestation in their hardwood flooring.
For all your questions and concerns regarding any type of pest problem, simply get in touch with Maximum Pest Control Services, trusted local pest control and management experts.
1. Prevention is Better than the Cure
When bringing any type of wood and or raw lumber to your home, check for any signs of pest activity. Powderpost beetles make small holes when feeding on wood from the inside out. They also leave fine wood dust or frass. This is why the full-blown infestation might go unnoticed until several months later when small holes finally appear on the hardwood.
If any of these signs are seen, its time for pest control and you better not take the wood back home as doing so might bring with it these wood-boring beetles that can feast on your house or furniture.
Wood-boring insects excavates galleries in wood, whether for feeding or for nesting purposes. Insects such as termites or powderpost beetles are called wood-boring insects.
Making sure that your furniture and other wood based items at home are well sanded and varnished is another thing to consider. A flat and smooth hardwood surface denies the wood-boring insects a place for them to lay their eggs.
It is also better to seal the holes in the woods and planks at your home to discourage pests from entering. Painting them also adds additional layer of protection against powderpost beetles.
2. Repair and Replace Wood Infested by Powderpost Beetles
If wood is already infested you may still salvage the item following these techniques below:
The use of wood treatment chemicals helps in strengthening the wood, removing excess moisture and at the same time killing the adult beetles as they emerge. These wood treatment options are absolutely brilliant invention particularly for expensive items made of wood. Although such treatments may not fully eradicate the entire insect problem, they could help in controlling the damage to a degree.
At the end of the day, removing the infested wood would be the best solution. Once an infestation is identified, remove and replace the infested wood. Better to reinforce the replacement wood with heat treatment to avoid re-infestation. Furthermore, in the case of replacement, the infested part should be disposed of properly, you can either burn the infested wood, or contact your local municipal office
Local Waste & Recycling Facilities
- Waste & Recycling Facilities for residents of Hamilton Ontario Canada
- Garbage and Recycling for residents of Mississauga ON Canada
- Garbage and Recycling for residents of Oakville Ontario Canada
- Halton Waste Management Site
Unsure about what type of insect or pest problem is eating away your valuables? Our specialized pest control and management experts here at Maximum Pest Control Services can help with powderpost beetles treatment.
3. Use Temperature to Kill Off Powderpost Beetle Infestation
Warning: use caution whenever handling heat or flammable items
Heat treatment can be applied to kill powderpost beetles, the goal of the drying process is to lower the moisture level of the wood. You can heat wooden items that don’t have fabric or felt at 120°F to 140°F for about six hours.
Cold treatment can also be considered with small wooden items. Freeze items at 0°F for about 72 hours. For wood thicker than two inches, do cold treatment for up to six days.
Note: some powderpost beetle eggs might still survive even after a temperature treatment, that means, checking items for signs of infestation is a good idea even after the treatment.
4. Fumigation
Fumigation is another option to battle insects such as Powderpost Beetles. Fumigating your furniture or the entire home efficiently can kill wood-boring insects. Whenever fumigation is to be used in and around the property, strongly consider correct application according to the level of infestation and consider getting professional advice before application. Meaning, at times, it may take couple of days or more before the treated area can be re-used again. Furthermore, using pesticide solutions and mixing pest control chemicals requires utmost consideration and procedures according to local laws.
If you want this guaranteed option for eliminating pests, call a certified pest control service to do the job correctly. Do keep in mind that licensed pest management companies such as Maximum Pest Control Services can also help in deciding whether fumigation is needed or not. Our friendly experts will be able to suggest the right approach when dealing with any type of insect infestation.
Contact Your Local & Trusted Pest Control Experts
Whether you are dealing with Powderpost Beetles, Termites, Ants or any other type of insect or pest infestation, time is of essence. Always consider contacting your local pest control and management service providers for rapid professional outcomes. Maximum Pest Control Services is proud of its track record serving our local communities Hamilton, Mississauga, Oakville, Scarborough, Milton, Burlington and other nearby neighborhoods.
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