Wood Borer

There are several indicators that wood-boring beetles are present. Immature beetles tunneling in wood cause an audible rasping or ticking sound most often heard during quiet times at night. Another indication may be a blistering appearance on the wood caused by larvae tunneling just below the wood surface.

While feeding, beetles often push powdery frass from holes they have constructed in the infested wood. This frass is piled below the holes or in cracks in structures. The consistency of the frass ranges from very fine to coarse, depending on the species.

Exit or emergence holes in the wood, created by the adult beetle, also may be seen. Occasionally, wood staining or the obvious presence of adult beetles will be noted. As adult beetles emerge in confined structures, they often are attracted to lights or windows.

Wood boring beetles range in size from a few millimeters to more than 2 inches. Many of them are dark colored, but some are metallic blues and greens striped with yellow or red. If only adults are found, locate any emergence holes or damaged wood which identifies the infested area.

Frequently, wood-boring beetles enter homes accidentally because they are attracted by lights. Accidental entry cases are non-damaging to property.