Hydrex Pest Control - The Powderpost Beetle

The Powderpost Beetle (Lyctids)

True powderpost beetles are named for the flour-like powder that is produced by the larva boring into the wood. These tiny beetles are between 1/32" and 1/4" long and colored reddish brown to black. Powderpost beetles are exclusively hardwood pests, mostly of wood less than 10 years old. They don't require quite the moisture content of other wood boring beetles. Adult beetles lay their eggs on the surface of hardwoods, in small cracks, but not on areas with paint or varnish. Paneling, moldings, hardwood floors, cabinets, and furniture are some common things that get infested. Larva preferr to bore along the grain, and stay away from heartwood. The powdery frass and small hole size are the key features to indentifying this beetle. Frass is loose, and will fall out of holes and form piles. Larva make a hole around 1/32" to 1/16" in diameter. To test the size, you can insert a ballpoint pen. If only the very tip goes in, it is probably a true powderpost beetle hole.

Pest Control for Wood Boring Beetles