Wood-boring beetles cause more damage to homes than bad DIY attempts.
In fact, these sneaky pests are second only to termites when it comes to chewing their way through your wallet and leaving your home looking a lot like Swiss cheese. But unlike termites, wood-boring beetles have one more party trick up their sleeves. They’re also happy to infest wooden furniture, flooring, and even antiques you’ve lovingly selected.
If the thought of beetles munching through your banisters gives you the jitters, take a deep breath. Wood-boring beetles are fairly common pests in Albany. These infestations are serious, but with the most effective pest control in Albany, you can kick them out for good.
With Kanga Pest Control, you can be sure your home will be protected from wood-boring beetles along with countless other pests. We specialize in treating these destructive pests and will help you get rid of wood-boring beetles and stop them from coming back. Whether it’s your vintage dining table or the beams holding up your roof, we’ve got the tools and expertise to get them gone.
What Are Wood-Boring Beetles?
Wood-boring beetles in Albany are insects that invade structural and decorative wood. The larvae feed on wood, tunneling through, then eventually emerge as adults. They aren’t just a single species but instead, an ensemble cast of wood-destroying fiends. A few different groups of wood-boring beetles can be found in Albany homes, but they all have one thing in common: a shared goal to destroy the wood in your home.
Whether it’s structural timber or that carefully selected oak centerpiece, it’s all the same to them. Let’s break down the differences between three of the most common types of wood-boring beetles in our area:
Powderpost Beetles
Powderpost beetles are most likely to infest hardwoods and wood with high starch content.
Other types of wood don’t have the nutritional content that these beetles need. Wood-boring beetles tunnel through the wood, leaving behind frass, which is wood fragments combined with fecal matter. Powderpost beetles’ frass is fine, with a dust-like texture.
Deathwatch Beetles
Another type of wood-boring beetle is the deathwatch beetle. These ominously named pests are more likely to infest damp, softwood, meaning they aren’t found in homes as often. If deathwatch beetles are found in Albany homes, they will likely be in basements, outbuildings, or anywhere else with high humidity. Their frass is made of small pellets and somewhat resembles compacted sawdust.
False Powderpost Beetles
False powderpost beetles, while similar in name to true powderpost beetles, have distinct characteristics and habits. These beetles typically infest hardwood, particularly in furniture, flooring, and structural timber.
Though their name suggests otherwise, they tend to target wood that has already been seasoned and finished, often entering through cracks or existing defects. Their frass is noticeably coarser than that of true powderpost beetles, often containing visible particles of wood.
False powderpost beetle infestations are less common, but their damage can still be significant, especially in improperly treated wood.
How Wood-Boring Beetle Infestations Start
Wood-boring beetles are often brought into homes in firewood, lumber, or wooden items. Once they’re inside a home, wood-boring beetle infestations can be difficult to control.
The larvae stay inside the wood; the adults lay more eggs once they emerge from the wood. The evidence of wood-boring beetles is subtle, so it can be hard to identify an infestation.
How To Identify Signs Of Wood-Boring Beetles
You know the saying, “if you can’t see it, it’s not there?” That’s not something that applies to wood-boring beetles. These pests work silently and undercover, and spotting them requires sharp eyes and a bit of determination.
There are a few signs of wood-boring beetles that you might notice around your home.
First, they leave behind frass as a waste product. As we explained above, it is distinct between wood-boring beetle species and other wood-infesting pests, such as termites.
You might also notice small exit holes in the wood where adult beetles have emerged. These holes are typically small and may be hard to see.
Because wood-boring beetle larvae stay inside the wood, you aren’t likely to see the bugs themselves. Instead, keep an eye out for frass and holes left behind.
Sometimes, there will be visible staining or blistering on wood caused by larvae tunneling through. This may also manifest as soft patches in the wood.These signs can be subtle, so it’s important to be aware of wood-boring beetle infestations and what causes them.
Remember, it’s the larvae who are the real culprits doing the damage. By the time you see the adults flitting around, these pests have already invited themselves over for a massive dinner party, and your house is what’s on the menu.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Wood-Boring Beetles
Prevention is always better than letting beetles turn your home into their personal snack bar, and it’s easier than you think.
First, keep a close eye on anything wooden that’s new to your home. Whether it’s a bundle of firewood or a hand-me-down coffee table, inspect it like a house guest who overstays. Look for holes, frass, and other signs.
The most important part of wood-boring beetle prevention in Albany is protecting the wood around your home. Most types of wood-boring beetles will avoid wood that is painted, varnished, kiln-dried, or chemically treated.
Also, take the time to address humidity issues. Take care of leaks, whether that means fixing your leaky basement or installing a dehumidifier if necessary. Remove the moisture, and you’ve got one less reason for wood-boring beetles to hang out overnight (or longer).
These steps are great preventative measures to take, but DIY won’t fix the entire problem. Beetle infestations often go deep into the wood, making it tough to fully identify and eliminate them without specialized tools and treatments.
If you see any signs of a beetle infestation in your Albany home, call a professional pest control company for help getting rid of them.
At Kanga Pest Control, we don’t just send the beetles packing. We make sure they leave behind no surprises—they’re gone for good.
Using tried-and-tested methods and safe, effective treatments, we’ll clear them out and fortify your home against future infestations. From the first inspection to the final application, we’ve got your back (and your beams).
Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Wood-Boring Beetles
Kanga Pest Control is your best option for wood-boring beetle control in Albany. We take a thorough approach to pest control that keeps your home pest-free for longer.
With our tried-and-true treatment methods, we’ll get rid of the wood-boring beetles in your home and keep them from returning.
Our priority is always your health and safety, which is why we only use the best, most effective methods. We also keep you updated on everything we do, from inspection to application.
Don’t wait until there are holes in your coffee table to take action. Call Kanga Pest Control today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Albany. We’ll help you reclaim your home, one wooden beam at a time.
