Wood-boring beetles in homes

Abstract

Three groups of wood-boring beetles—powderpost, deathwatch, and false powderpost (Table 1)—invade and damage wood furniture as well as structural and decorative wood inside of buildings. The beetle larvae feed in and do most of the damage to wood, and when they reach the adult stage, they emerge through round exit holes, which they create by chewing through the wood surface. Adults of some species also bore exit holes through plaster, plastic, and even soft metals that might cover the underlying wood.

Citation

Lewis, V.R.; Seybold, S.J. 2010. Wood-boring beetles in homes. Oakland, CA: University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. Agriculture and Natural Resources Pest Notes, Publication 7418, June 2010. 4 p