Powderpost Beetles

The term powderpost beetle refers to several species of wood-destroying beetles that belong to three different families of beetles (Lyctidae, Bostrichidae and Anobiidae). They re-infest dry, seasoned wood year after year and the wood becomes completely riddled with holes and galleries packed with powdery frass. Powderpost beetles can infest any untreated or non-sealed wood article. Some species only attack hardwoods, while others feed only on softwoods, and some species will feed on both. 

Southern lyctus beetle
Southern lyctus beetle (Lyctus planicollis) are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.

wood damage caused by powderpost beetles
Fine “face powder” boring dust produced from tunneling ash log. Larvae tunnel inside the wood; adults emerge from round exit holes, each less than 1/16 inch in diameter.


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Identification and Control Information

[Photos, left to right: Jim Baker, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org; Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org]