Identifying and Treating Powder Post Beetle Damage

February 28, 2025

When it comes to wood-destroying pests, termites tend to get all the attention. But another serious threat to your home’s structure is the powder post beetle—a small but destructive insect that can cause significant damage to wood over time. If left untreated, an infestation can weaken wooden beams, flooring, and furniture. Here’s how to identify powder post beetle damage and what to do about it.

What Are Powder Post Beetles?

Powder post beetles are wood-boring insects that lay their eggs in unfinished or untreated hardwoods. Once the larvae hatch, they tunnel through the wood, feeding on it for months or even years before emerging as adults. The damage they leave behind can be just as severe as termites, and because they often infest hidden areas, they can go unnoticed for long periods.

Signs of Powder Post Beetle Damage

Since powder post beetles spend most of their life cycle inside wood, their presence isn’t always obvious. However, there are a few telltale signs to look for:

Tiny Round Exit Holes – When adult beetles emerge from the wood, they leave behind small, round exit holes (about the size of a pinhead).

Fine Powdery Sawdust (Frass) – As the larvae tunnel through wood, they push out a fine, powder-like sawdust near the exit holes. This is often the most noticeable sign of an active infestation.

Weakened or Damaged Wood – Over time, extensive tunneling can weaken wooden structures, causing surfaces to feel soft, hollow, or brittle.

Beetles Inside or Near the Wood – Adult powder post beetles are small (⅛ to ¼ inch long) and reddish-brown to black in color. If you spot them crawling on wooden surfaces, there may be an active infestation.

How to Treat Powder Post Beetle Infestations

1. Identify the Infested Wood

Inspect areas where you see signs of beetle activity, especially in basements, attics, crawl spaces, and unfinished wood surfaces like beams, joists, and hardwood floors.

2. Remove and Replace Severely Damaged Wood

If the infestation is extensive and the wood is structurally compromised, replacing it may be the best option.

3. Apply a Borate-Based Treatment

Borate treatments are one of the most effective ways to eliminate powder post beetles. These treatments penetrate the wood and kill larvae as they feed, preventing further damage. This is especially useful for unfinished wood in homes, barns, or furniture restoration projects.

4. Reduce Moisture Levels

Powder post beetles thrive in damp environments. Reduce humidity in your home by using dehumidifiers, fixing leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation—especially in basements and crawl spaces.

5. Seal and Finish Wood Surfaces

Powder post beetles prefer to lay their eggs in untreated wood. Sealing exposed wood with paint, stain, or varnish can help prevent future infestations.

6. Call a Professional for Inspection and Treatment

Since powder post beetles can be hard to detect and eliminate, professional pest control is often the best solution. A trained expert can assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the right treatment plan, whether it’s a localized borate application or a more intensive whole-home treatment.

Protect Your Home From Powder Post Beetles

If you suspect powder post beetles are damaging your home, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. These pests can silently weaken wood structures over time, leading to costly repairs. At ProSource Pest Solutions, we specialize in identifying and treating wood-destroying insects, including powder post beetles. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and protect your home from further damage.