Old House Borer
(click on image on left to enlarge.)
The old
house borer is a longhorned beetle that attacks only softwoods, primarily
pine. They attack both structural timbers and lumber. They primarily
infest wood in structures that is less than 10 years old, but can reinfest
much older wood. Damage is indicated by exit holes which are oval, 1/4
to 3/8 of an inch in diameter. Another sign of an infestation is the
appearance of piles of excrement or frass on the wood around the exit
hole and or on the floor below. The frass consists of very fine powder
and very tiny elongated pellets. Actively feeding larvae make a rhythmic
rasping or clicking sound.
To determine if control is necessary, first determine if the infestation
is active. Check for the presence of frass and listen for chewing by
the larvae. Consult with a professional pest control company to determine
the best method of control. Borate insecticides are often used to treat
for old house borer. If the infestation is limited replacement of the
wood may be a viable option
DAMAGE AND CONCERNS
Damage occurs to the wood in houses. The actual structural damage caused by these beetles depends on the number of larvae feeding, the extent of the infestation (how many years), and whether there has been a reinfestation.
CONTROL
Control methods include spraying and fumigating.
