Wood boring beetles
There are several species of wood-boring beetles that can be found in Edmonton, Alberta, and they can cause damage to both softwood and hardwood structures such as houses, decks, fences, and furniture. The most common species of wood-boring beetles in the area include the Powderpost Beetle, the Deathwatch Beetle and the Old House Borer.
The Powderpost Beetle is small and reddish-brown in color and it infests hardwoods such as oak and ash, and is capable of reducing wood to a fine powder. The Deathwatch Beetle is also small and reddish-brown, it also infest hardwoods, such as Oak, but it also target furniture and musical instruments. The Old House Borer is larger and dark brown in color, it specifically target softwoods such as pine and spruce, and can cause extensive damage to structural timbers.
All species of wood-boring beetles have similar life cycles, They lay eggs in the wood, and the resulting larvae hatch and burrow into the wood to feed, tunnelling through the wood as they grow. After several years, the larvae will emerge as adults to mate and lay eggs.
To prevent an infestation, it is important to use wood that has been kiln-dried and treated to kill any insects that may be present, also regular inspection and maintenance to detect early signs of infestation such as small holes, sawdust, and frass (a mixture of sawdust and excrement) around baseboards or window frames, are crucial. If infestation is suspected, it's best to consult with professional pest control company to identify the species and provide a proper treatment plan.
Powder post Beetle
Death watch beetle
The Powderpost Beetle is a type of wood-boring beetle that can cause damage to both hardwood and softwood structures such as houses, decks, fences, furniture, and even hardwood flooring. They are small insects, usually ranging in size from 1/8 to 3/8 inches long, and are reddish-brown in color.
Powderpost Beetles have a unique life cycle, they lay their eggs on the surface of wood, and the resulting larvae burrow into the wood to feed, tunneling through the wood as they grow. They are able to reduce wood to a fine powder, hence their name. The larvae can remain in the wood for several years, feeding and tunneling through it, until they emerge as adults to mate and lay eggs. After emergence, adult beetles will leave small, round exit holes in the wood and can often be found in the vicinity of infested wood.
Infestations of powderpost beetles can be difficult to detect because the adult beetles are often not seen and the damage is done by the larvae, the damage may not be visible until it has become extensive. Infestations can be controlled by removing and destroying infested wood, and by treating the remaining wood with a pesticide.
To prevent an infestation, it is important to use wood that has been kiln-dried and treated to kill any insects that may be present. Regular inspection and maintenance to detect early signs of infestation such as small holes, sawdust, and frass (a mixture of sawdust and excrement) around baseboards or window frames are crucial. If an infestation is suspected, it's best to consult with professional pest control company to identify the species and provide a proper treatment plan.
The Deathwatch Beetle is a type of wood-boring beetle that is known for its loud ticking or ticking-like sound. They are small insects, usually ranging in size from 1/8 to 3/8 inches long, and are reddish-brown in color.
They are primarily found in hardwoods such as oak, but can also be found in furniture and musical instruments. They are known to attack both newly constructed and older structures, infestations often begin in damp or humid areas and may spread to other parts of a building.
The deathwatch beetle's life cycle is similar to that of other wood-boring beetles, Adult beetles lay their eggs in the wood and the resulting larvae burrow into the wood to feed, tunneling through the wood as they grow. They can remain in the wood for several years, feeding and tunneling through it, until they emerge as adults to mate and lay eggs. After emergence, adult beetles will leave small, round exit holes in the wood and can often be found in the vicinity of infested wood.
The damage done by deathwatch beetles is typically extensive, as they can burrow into the structural timbers of buildings and weaken them. Infestations can be controlled by removing and destroying infested wood and treating the remaining wood with a pesticide.
Prevention of infestation starts with using wood that has been kiln-dried and treated to kill any insects that may be present, also maintaining a relatively low humidity, regular inspections and monitoring for any signs of infestations, such as small holes and sawdust, also keeping track of any furniture made from hardwood, specially if it's from an old or damp
Old house borer
The Old House Borer Beetle is a species of wood-boring beetle that is known to infest softwoods such as pine and spruce. They are larger than powderpost beetles, typically measuring around 3/8 inch in length and have dark brown color.
Old House Borer Beetles are primarily found in older buildings and homes, but can also infest new constructions that use infested lumber. They often enter a structure through cracks and gaps in the exterior walls, or through areas where the wood is in contact with the soil.
Once inside, the beetles will lay their eggs on the wood surface, the resulting larvae will burrow into the wood to feed, tunneling through the wood as they grow, and can cause extensive damage to the structural timbers of a building. After several years, the larvae will emerge as adults to mate and lay eggs, leaving small, round exit holes in the wood.
To control an infestation, it's important to remove and replace infested wood. Applying a pesticide to the remaining wood can be an effective method to prevent further infestation. To prevent infestation, it is important to use wood that has been kiln-dried and treated to kill any insects that may be present. Sealing cracks and gaps in the exterior walls and foundation can also help to prevent entry. Regular inspection and monitoring for signs of infestation, such as small holes and sawdust, is also important in detecting an infestation early on.