Wood Destroying Beetles
Serving Illinois and Indiana
Many wood destroying beetles have the ability to bite, but what is of bigger concern is their ability to damage wood. Wood destroying beetles have six legs, are reddish brown to black in color, and their long, narrow, flat bodies usually grow to 1/32 to 1/4 inches in length. These wood-boring insects reduce timber to a mass of very fine powder-like material, making them a threat to homes, workshops, garages, outdoor furnishings and structures, and other wood surfaces.
The most common types of wood that these destructive beetles find themselves attracted to include walnut, hickory, ash, and oak. In the United States, the damage that wood destroying beetles create is second only to termites, causing millions of dollars in damages each year as they bore into and infest dry seasoned wood.
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How to Prevent Wood Destroying Beetle Infestations
The best way to protect yourself and your property from wood destroying beetles is through early detection and prevention. You can prevent a wood destroying beetle infestation by following a few simple steps.
- If you are purchasing raw wood, make sure to inspect it prior to purchase. Look for and avoid purchasing wood that has damaged surfaces or pieces that have present exit holes.
- When purchasing wooden decor, ensure that the wood has been kiln-dried, or that is has a sanded and varnished finish. If the wooden object has yet to be sealed, apply shellac or varnish to the untreated wood before bringing it into your home. It is also wise to avoid using old lumber from wood yards or piles where these beetles like to hide.
Do You Have Wood Beetles?
Homeowners are more likely to see evidence of wood damage than the beetles themselves, as they spend most of their lives living inside of wood. If you are seeing evidence of a wood destroying beetle infestation, such as very fine sawdust on or beneath wood, and small holes measuring 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter, our experts at Anderson Pest Solutions can help.
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