Unfortunately, the great state of Texas also has a great many wood-boring beetle species that just live to find the wood in your home such as stored wood, wood products, as well as structural timber. These beetles come from at least 12 different families and their size, wood preference, the nature of the damage they cause, among other habits vary greatly between species. Since there are other well known insect pests that also damage wood such as termites and carpenter ants, it is important when you find an infestation of wood-boring beetles that you make sure identify the insect properly, as the kind of damage they cause and their appearance can vary greatly.
The most obvious sign that you have an infestation of wood-boring beetles is if you see holes present in the wood that the adults chewed their way out of. Beetles often produce a powdery material called frass when they are feeding on wood and push it from thee holes they are boring, leaving it in piles below the holes or in cracks in the structure. The consistency of the frass can also vary depending on species. In some cases, you might actually spot an adult wood-boring beetle in your home. They are attracted to lights and windows, and can often be seen accumulating in these locations. You might also notice a stained or blistering appearance to the wood made from the larvae of the wood-boring beetle tunneling below the surface of the wood.
As I already mentioned, identifying the culprit of your infestation is very important when dealing with getting rid of these invaders. Some of the possible species include the old house borer, flat-headed borers, wharf borers, and bark beetles, just to name a few. Adult wood-boring beetles can range from 1/8 inch to over 2 inches in length. They can also vary greatly in color. While most are dark brown or black in color, others are metallic blue, metallic green, and some are striped yellow or red. Knowing what kind of wood they are damaging will also help to identify the correct wood-boring beetle that is infesting your home.
The best way to keep your home from being infested by these insects is through preventative measures. Before purchasing the wood to construct your house make sure it is properly dried and chemically treated in pressure chambers. Controlling the level of moisture in your house can also go a long way towards preventing an infestation. Making sure leaks are repaired, installing vapor barriers, insulation, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners will help to vastly reduce the amount of moist wood and moist environment these pests need to thrive. Store any firewood outside and away from the outer walls, and make sure to inspect any items made of wood you purchase before bringing it into your home. For your roof, you may want to discuss the best option with a roofing company Greensboro that has experience in the construction of various roofs.
Have you ever had to deal with an infestation of wood-borer beetles in your home?
