Powder Post Beetle Treatment

The Powder Post Beetle causes woodworm damage to the sapwood of tropical and European hardwoods, particularly those with high starch content and large pores. Aged timbers are less susceptible.

This woodworm beetle is found in timber with large enough pores for the female to lay her eggs; The powderpost beetle is small 1-7mm in length. Their colour ranges from red/brown to black.

Emergence holes are circular, 1-2 mm in diameter and consequently can be misidentified as Common Furniture Beetle by the unqualified surveyor. Lyctus Powerpost Beetle is found throughout the world. This beetle has the ability of causing very severe damage. In a relatively short period of 2-4 years it can reduce the sapwood of susceptible hardwood species to powdered matter.

Where would I find the Powder Post Beetle?

Many modern buildings will not suffer from attack by this beetle as softwood timbers are immune to the Lyctus Powderpost Beetle. The original infestation will invariably have occurred prior to the timbers being introduced into the building, (i.e. timber yard or storeroom) though will continue for some time following. Plywood and blockboard manufactured from susceptible timbers is quite commonly attacked and occasionally infestations will be found in solid hardwood block and strip floorings.

More on woodworm and treatments

To find out more about treating and limiting the damage from woodworm, visit the following webpages:

What is Woodworm? information on woodworm beetles and advice on determining woodworm infestations.
Woodworm Lifecycle from larve to adult, the importance of fast treatment to limit damage
Woodworm Tips & Treatments help and advice and how to treatwoodworm including preventitve measures