Anobiid Powderpost Beetle
Quick Stats
- Latin Name: Family Anobiidae
- Size: Tiny: Most adults measure less than 5/16th of an inch long
- Color: Brownish-black
- Shape: Range from oval-shaped to long and thin. Head is not visible when viewed from above
- Found in: Found all across the United States in timber, particularly in western and southeastern states like Georgia, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- Overview: These beetles prefer to feed on older wood (10+ years) and will eat soft and hardwoods. It’s actually the larvae, not the adults, that do the most damage to man-made structures.
About Anobiid Powderpost Beetles
Adult Anobiid Powderpost Beetles actually don’t feed on wood, but their larvae do. They prefer to nest in the coolest part of the wood or home and are most likely found in basements, attics, and in crawlspaces. Typically they like harder woods like pine and spruce and head for the highest-moisture content they can find.
Because they are so small, these beetles can fit into tiny spaces that many other species can’t. When invading man-made structures they’re most likely to seek refuge in the joists and cracks of wood which provide the coolest climate and most protection. There they lay eggs which hatch into larvae – the larvae then eat their way to adulthood through whatever wood source is available. Because it takes up to three years for the Anobiid Powderpost Beetle to reach adulthood, plenty of damage can be done to structures while the pests mature.
Facts About the Anobiid Powderpost Beetle
Anobiid Powderpost Beetles are not discriminatory when it comes to structural damage. They can be found wreaking havoc on everything from log homes to furniture and because they’re so tiny often remain undetected for months or even years. Once found, many people mistake these pests for termites thanks to the wood damage. Termites typically leave wood shavings and circular holes in wood while Powderpost Beetles are often identified by their skeletal remains.
If you’re worried about the effects of an Anobiid Beetle infestation you want to check your home for signs of rot and wood moisture. Be sure all cracks and vents are sealed properly and have a full pest inspection done at least once a year to ensure no bugs sneak in while you’re not looking. Since these beetles often make their way into homes via antique wood furniture it’s smart to quarantine these pieces for several weeks before introducing to the greater home. If you have signs of a Powderpost Beetle infestation or are concerned about wood damage in your home, contact a pest professional near you right away for identification and treatment.