Hydrex Pest Control - The Deathwatch Beetle

The Deathwatch Beetle (Anobiids)

The deathwatch beetle is named for a tapping sound they sometimes make. Legend has it that if this sound was heard late at night by an ill person, death was near. This group of beetles includes several species, but the ones found in this area are 1/8" long, up to 1/4" long - and reddish brown or dark in color. Deathwatch beetles are hunch-backed, with their head difficult to see from above. They are the most commonly found wood boring beetle in this area, preferring wood over 10 years old and of slightly higher moisture content. Both softwoods and hardwoods can be infested. Roughly sawn lumber is more attractive to females to lay their eggs on. Eggs hatch into the larval stage, where the damage to wood is caused. Larva hatch and bore themselves into the wood, then turn 90 degress and go with the grain. Larva will tend to stay away from heartwoods, damaging primarily the sapwood. They don't damage a lot by themselves, but in numbers can do significant damage. Frass is sometimes present below their holes, but not always. Deathwatch beetle frass is unique from other boring beetle frass, consisting of small pellets. Holes that are left behind are between 1/16" and 1/8" in diameter. A ballpoint pen can be inserted in the hole to identify it. If the very tip and some of the angled part go in, it's most likey a deathwatch beetle hole. Deathwatch beetles can infest a variety of structual timbers, as well as furniture and other items.

Pest Control for Wood Boring Beetles