Wood Boring Beetles

Wood boring beetles are insects whose larvae develop inside wood, feeding as they grow before emerging as adults. Depending on the species, they may infest structural wood, hardwood flooring, furniture, beams, or other wooden materials.

Because much of the damage happens inside the wood, an infestation may go unnoticed until the adult beetles emerge, or visible signs begin to appear.

One of the most common signs is the appearance of small, round exit holes in wood. You may also notice fine powder or gritty material beneath the holes, weakened wood, or adult beetles emerging from wooden surfaces.

If you see these signs, it's a good idea to have the wood inspected to determine whether the infestation is active.

Long Pest Control provides treatment for common wood boring beetles found in the Tacoma area, including deathwatch beetles and powderpost beetles. Although both species damage wood, they have different habits and typically infest different types of materials.

Identifying the species helps determine the most appropriate treatment and whether additional repairs may be needed.

Deathwatch beetles, also known as anobiid beetles, are wood-destroying insects that often infest wood with elevated moisture levels. They're commonly found in crawlspaces, basements, support posts, floor joists, and other damp structural areas.

Because they prefer moisture-damaged wood, their presence may indicate an underlying moisture problem that should also be addressed.

Powderpost beetles are known for attacking unfinished hardwoods. Their larvae remain inside the wood while feeding, eventually emerging through small exit holes and leaving behind a fine powder known as frass.

These beetles can damage hardwood flooring, furniture, trim, and other unfinished wood products if left untreated.

Frass is the fine, powdery material left behind by wood boring beetle larvae as they tunnel through wood. It often collects beneath small exit holes and is one of the clearest signs of an active or recent infestation.

Finding fresh frass around wooden structures or furniture should be inspected promptly to determine whether beetles are still present.

No. While both pests damage wood, they behave very differently. Termites feed on wood as a food source, while wood boring beetles spend much of their life cycle developing inside wood before emerging as adults.

A professional inspection can identify which pest is causing the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Yes. Over time, wood boring beetles can weaken structural wood by creating tunnels inside beams, joists, posts, flooring, and other wooden components. The extent of the damage depends on the species and how long the infestation has been active.

Treating the infestation early can help reduce additional structural damage and costly repairs.

Certain species, such as deathwatch beetles, are attracted to wood with higher moisture content. Leaks, poor ventilation, or long-term dampness can create favorable conditions for these beetles to lay their eggs.

Correcting the moisture problem is often an important part of preventing future infestations.

During the inspection, a technician examines exposed wood for exit holes, frass, moisture damage, weakened wood, and signs of active beetle activity. The inspection also helps determine which species is present and whether the infestation is ongoing.

Once the inspection is complete, you'll receive recommendations for treatment and any additional steps that may help protect your property.

Surface sprays and DIY products rarely reach beetle larvae hidden deep inside wood. Without addressing the source of the infestation, new adults may continue emerging even after visible beetles have been eliminated.

Professional treatment targets the infestation more effectively while helping determine whether damaged wood should also be repaired or replaced.

Treatment times vary depending on the type of beetle, the amount of wood affected, and whether the infestation is active. Smaller infestations may be resolved quickly, while more extensive cases could require additional treatment or monitoring.

Your technician will explain the recommended treatment plan after completing the inspection.

They can if favorable conditions remain. Moisture problems, untreated wood, or infested materials brought into the home may allow new infestations to develop over time.

Routine inspections and correcting the conditions that attract wood boring beetles can help reduce the chances of future activity.

Scheduling an inspection is easy. Call Long Pest Control or complete the online contact form to request an appointment at your convenience.

Our team will inspect the affected wood, identify the type of beetle involved, and recommend the most effective treatment to help protect your home from further damage.