Powder post beetles are wood-destroying insects that can get into homes and cause extensive damage. These beetles range from 1/32 to 3/8 of an inch in length. However, those that infest wooden structures are a little larger, growing up to 1/4 of an inch. They are reddish-brown in color. They create holes that are generally less than a centimeter wide, so their damage can be hard to spot. Knowing how to identify and prevent powder post beetles can save you time and money when it comes to maintaining your Rock Island home.
Identifying Powder Post Beetles
Spotting very tiny powder post beetles can be an exercise in futility. At 1/4 of an inch or smaller, these fast-moving beetles can be elusive. Their heads are easier to see than their bodies, with their long antennae, each with two-jointed clubs. Their upper bodies are smaller than their heads which helps distinguish them from other similar looking pests. Powder post beetles are wood-destroying insects, meaning that they will chew on just about anything made of wood. Being able to identify powder post beetles is a great first step in preventing and/or getting rid of them.
Where To Find Them
Since they chew on wood, there are many places where powder post beetles can show up. This includes dressers, bed stands, nightstands, tables, shelves, and even wood in the structure of the house. They can cause serious damage not only to personal belongings but to the integrity of a home as well. Powder post beetles feed on different types of wood, depending on what species they are. Some species eat only hardwoods like walnut, hickory, and oak. Others may eat both hardwood and softwood, such as pine. Preparing your house against powderpost beetles can limit the damage they do in and around it.
Prevention Tips
There are many ways to prepare your house against powder post beetles, but not all of the strategies found online work well. Random DIY methods are usually ineffective, and can even be harmful in some cases. Look for advice from professionals, and follow it strictly. One of the best ways to protect wood against powder post beetles is by using a wood preservative treatment. Any lumber you wish to apply treatment to must be sanded down to the bare wood, removing all varnish or paint, as the treatment will not penetrate these finishes. Additionally, keep your wood belongings in a moisture-controlled environment by fixing leaking pipes and utilizing dehumidifiers.
Professional Help
Despite trying preventative measures around your Rock Island home, you may still be plagued with powder post beetles. The only 100% effective method of getting rid of powder post beetles is to partner with the pest professionals. Powder post beetles can be extremely damaging to homes, which is why you should contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators at the first sign of them. We can recommend one of our year-round Home Guardian Services or a one-time treatment to help protect your Rock Island Home from powder post beetles and to prevent future infestations.