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Powderpost Beetle Control & Prevention
- Difficult to control but fairly easy to prevent -
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Summary: These small wood boring beetles attack both hardwoods and softwoods. While it is relatively easy to prevent an infestation they can be difficult to eliminate once the infestation gets a foothold.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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Prevent hardwood flooring damage
 If you are installing hardwood flooring here's a suggestion: Flooring material is sometimes infested with lyctid powderpost beetles when it arrives on the job site. Despite claims to the contrary, this can occur even if the flooring stock has been kiln-dried. Kiln-dried wood can become infested if stored improperly and exposed to an active beetle infestation.
To help stop a potential infestation have the flooring stock treated with sodium borate before installation. Borate solution should be applied to the unfinished back and to the tongue and groove edges. Solution can also be applied to the top if this surface is unfinished as well. Do not apply to finished (stained or sealed) surfaces because the borate solution must soak in to be effective. Borate solution can be mixed yourself and applied with a small brush or paint roller.
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After the solution dries the wood will be impregnated with borate which will prevent beetle larvae from boring into the underside, or edges, once the floor is installed. The top side is protected by the finish applied to this surface. Don't get the wood too wet as the flooring may warp, and allow it to dry completely before installation. This procedure won't stop beetles already in the wood floor from emerging but it might stop, or slow, an infestation from growing. See our hardwood flooring page for more details.
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Prevent structural and framing wood damage
Infestations of anobiid powderpost beetles in softwoods like floor joists, wall studs and posts occur mainly in coastal, and other damp, climates where the wood has a relatively high moisture content. Damage can be extensive if left untreated.
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Anobiid beetle damage in softwood. Damage (arrow) is concentrated near the surface in this side view.
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Weakened timbers should be replaced and remaining wood can be treated with Timbor, Bora Care, or similar borate, to limit the spread of the infestation. Spray the surface of wood with the solution. The borate will penetrate to a depth of about 1/4" and prevent new larvae from boring into the surface thus limiting the infestation.
See our article about selecting pest control services if you decide to seek outside help for either type of powderpost beetle infestation.
Powderpost Beetles Guide (pdf) Download this free Guide for general biology and control information. You'll need Acrobat Reader (or equivalent) to open the pdf file.
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