While most people know all about termites and the destruction they can cause to wooden structures, other wood-destroying insects often fly under the radar of detection. But just because they may not cause quite as much damage as those famous termites (which cost U.S. home and business owners billions of dollars annually) it doesn't mean we shouldn't be on the lookout for them. And since spring is upon us, now is the time to be vigilant. Wood-damaging insects become much more active as the weather begins to warm up.
Carpenter Ants
These ants are the largest ants you will see inside your Moline, IL home, but you will only see one or two here and there since they mostly stay hidden inside wood. Carpenter ants are black or a dark red in color, they measure from 7 to 12 mm in length, and they have only one node between their thorax and abdomen. Carpenter ants dig through wood to create tunnels and galleries where they make their nests in order to make more carpenter ants. If left long enough, carpenter ants can create damage similar to termite damage.
Carpenter Bees
These bees look much like bumble bees, except they are entirely black from the middle of the body to the tip of the abdomen. Carpenter bees will typically be seen flying around eaves or underneath decks or porches. Females bore circular holes into untreated wooden structures. Sometimes they leave little piles of sawdust underneath. If left untreated, these tunnels can be reused each year and made larger, which can become a hazard if steps or deck boards become weakened.
Long-Horned Beetles
The Asian long-horned beetle is black with white dots, and antennae that are longer than its entire body. It is bullet shaped and measures around 3/4 to 1/2 inches in length. This wood-boring beetle is relatively new in North America and predominantly attacks maple trees, but can also be found attacking poplars, elms, willows, horse chestnuts, mulberries, and more.
Powder Post Beetles
Powder post beetles are tiny (less than 1/4 of an inch long) brown and pill-shaped with a bumpy abdomen. Their tiny size and elongated cylinder shape make them easy to identify. As their name suggests, these pests are able to reduce wood to a powder-like substance which is called "frass." It is actually the larvae of these insects that damage wood and they are known to attack furniture, banisters, and other hardwood items.
If you are in need of assistance with termites or any of these other wood-destroying insects, don't hesitate to connect with the pest professionals here at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators. We offer comprehensive home pest control plans in Moline, IL and throughout Central and North Central Illinois, for a complete solution against common household pests and wood-destroying insects. Schedule your FREE no-obligation inspection today.