How To Get Rid of Powderpost Beetles in Hardwood Floors

Powderpost beetles can find their way into wooden floors and cause a lot of damage and stress, so let’s learn how to get rid of powderpost beetles in hardwood floors using a few different methods today.

These methods range from removing and replacing areas of flooring all the way to fumigation, depending on the size of your problem.

But first, let’s learn what powderpost beetles actually are and why they are so harmful to hardwood floors.

What Are Powderpost Beetles?

Powderpost beetle is a term used to describe a variety of species of beetles that are known for reducing wood to a fine powder, and are a close second to termites when it comes to their ability to damage dry wood.

In fact, there are over 70 species that are classified under this term which makes it quite difficult to narrow it down to one specific insect, but the ones most commonly found in hardwood floors are called lyctus beetles.

How Do You Identify A Powderpost Beetle Infestation?

Luckily, identifying a powderpost beetle infestation is quite easy as they leave behind tell-tale signs.

These are usually categorised by numerous small holes with deposits of very fine, flour-like powder around the entrances. These holes are the areas where fully developed adults have left the wood, while the eggs will remain below the surface.

It is highly unlikely that you will ever see the beetles themselves as they are much more active during the nighttime, and instead, the damage done to your floor will be the indicator of an infestation.

How Long Can Powderpost Beetles Live In Hardwood?

Once the eggs have been laid, these will hatch into larvae which will remain below the surface for anywhere up to 5 years.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to properly deal with the infestation. If you don’t manage to remove all of the beetles, they can do up to 5 years worth of damage before you notice anything.

How Do Powderpost Beetles Damage Hardwood Floors?

Powderpost beetles use the starch found in wood as a food source to develop and grow.

As a result of this, they create tunnels and holes on the surface of wood which can only be repaired by replacing the affected areas. Unlike scratches to hardwood floors, the damage done by powderpost beetles cannot be easily repaired.

Dealing With Powderpost Beetles in Hardwood Floors

Now that you understand the problems that are associated with powderpost beetles in hardwood floors, and how to spot them, let’s see what you can do to deal with them.

Minor Infestations

For small infestations, the best idea is to simply maintain the floor rather than removing or replacing any wooden planks. A small infestation in this case is a single plank of wood flooring, not multiple.

To do this seal any emergence holes that are currently present, as well as any new emergence holes that appear. This can be done with a filler that matches the colour of your floor which will not be noticeable but also prevent the spread of the beetles.

Keep moisture away from the affected area as this can promote further spread of the beetles and leave it be. A small infestation will usually dwindle out without the need for further – and more expensive – action.

Once you are confident the infestation has subsided then you can check for structural damage which may lead to replacing panels of wood.

But what about larger infestations?

Major Infestations

For major infestations, the only real way to solve your problem is to replace any affected planks of wood.

This is quite expensive and in some cases, you may even be advised to replace your entire floor which can shock quite a lot of people. It’s definitely worthwhile contacting an expert for a consultation about the choices you have in this scenario and for them to inspect your floor in person.

Fumigation

In severe cases, fumigation may be the only way to remove all of the infestations.

Fumigation is performed by a pest-control expert and involves using gaseous pesticides to kill any present beetles. Keep in mind that this is non-residual and therefore will not prevent future infestations.

How Do You Prevent Powderpost Beetles From Entering Hardwood Floors?

The two key components of preventing this whole issue in the first place are simple:

  • Ensure your floor’s surface has been sealed and treated properly. This way the beetles will not be able to make their way into the wood in the first place.
  • Ensure that your wood is provided by a reputable supplier, as this is where an infestation is the most likely to start during manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions we get about powderpost beetles here.

What Types of Floor Are Susceptible?

New hardwood floors made from susceptible woods like pecan and ash are very prone to becoming infested with powderpost beetles.

Unfinished hardwood surfaces are also very prone to becoming infested, which is why a proper finish is crucial for any hardwood floor.

Where Do Powderpost Beetles Come From?

Usually, the beetles make their way into hardwood floors after the wood has been dried during manufacturing.

The drying process will kill any beetles that are currently in the wood, but between this stage and sealing the wood is highly susceptible to becoming infested.