Powderpost Beetles

What are powderpost beetles?

Powderpost beetles in the Memphis area are a type of wood-boring beetle and are responsible for causing damage to the wooden structures they invade. Adults have long, narrow bodies and a flat shape that allows them to move into wood through pores or any small openings, where they will lay their eggs. After their larvae hatch, they begin to tunnel through and use the wood as a food source. Once fully developed, powderpost beetles create tiny, round exit holes and emerge as adults. These beetles are not pests that most homeowners would recognize, but they are second only to termites in the amount of damage they can cause to dry, seasoned wood.

Are powderpost beetles dangerous?

Powderpost beetles are not dangerous to people, and most people will never come into contact with one since the adults are mainly active at night, and their larvae spend their lives inside wood. However, these beetles are still dangerous pests and should not be permitted to live inside of any home or business because of the significant structural damage they cause that, over time, is time consuming and expensive to repair.


Why do I have a powderpost beetle problem?

Powderpost beetles often get inside properties in infested pieces of wood or wooden furniture. They also find their way inside on their own. Adults are active at night and attracted to lights like the outdoor lighting on your house, where they will then enter through spaces around windows and doors, torn screens, or open windows.


Where will I find powderpost beetles?

Adult powderpost beetles live outdoors, for the most part. After adults emerge from a piece of wood, however, they swarm in large numbers to wooden surfaces or window sills when attracted by the light. Their larvae live and grow to adulthood inside pieces of wood. Powderpost beetles prefer to attack hardwoods, damaging things like floors, structural timbers, wooden paneling, wooden trim, and antique furniture.


How do I get rid of powderpost beetles?

If you are looking to get rid of powderpost beetles from your Memphis property, the professionals at Dart Pest, Lawn & Wildlife are here to help. Our EPA-trained and certified technicians will solve your powderpost beetle problems once and for all! Our affordable home pest control services protect people, homes, and yards from powderpost beetles and our area's most common pests. To learn more about our exceptional residential or commercial pest control services, partner with Dart Pest today!


How can I prevent powderpost beetles in the future?

Aside from professional pest control services in Memphis, utilize the following prevention tips to help keep powderpost beetles out of your property:


  • Seal up cracks and crevices found in your foundation, exterior walls, and spaces around windows and doors.
  • Limit the use of old barn wood inside your home or business.
  • Inspect wooden antiques before bringing them into your property.
  • Paint or stain the exposed wood in your home or business, as well as the wooden structures on your property.
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