Wood Destroying Beetles

Anobids

Anobidae
Color: Reddish brown to black
Shape: Elongated, cylindrical
Size: 1/8 - 1/4 inch
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits

Anobids attack hardwoods and softwoods, and mostly the sapwood. They also attack manufactured products, lumber, structural timbers. In structures, usually wood older than 10 years is attacked.

Threats

Anobids can cause structural damage for homeowners.

Prevention

First try to determine if the infestation is active. If so, then apply a localized pesticide application or contact your local exterminator.

Bostrochids

Bostrichidae
Color: Reddish brown to black
Shape: Elongated, cylindrical
Size: 1/16 - 1 inch
Region: Throughout the U.S.
Habits

Bostrochids usually attack manufactured products, new hardwood lumber, and wood that is less than 10 years old. While mostly attacking sapwood, they also attack both softwoods and hardwoods.

Threats

Bostrochids can cause structural damage for homeowners.

Prevention

First try to determine if the infestation is active. If so, then apply a localized pesticide application or contact your local exterminator.

Lyctids

lyctidae
Color: Reddish brown to black
Shape: Elongated, narrow, flattened, and parallel-sided
Size: 1/32 - 1/4th inch long
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Habits

Lyctids attack sapwood and hardwoods less than 10 years old but can also attack structural timbers. This wood is usually infested during drying time or storage.

Threats

Lyctids can cause structural damage for homeowners.

Prevention

First try to determine if the infestation is active. If so, then apply a localized pesticide application or contact your local exterminator.

Old House Borer

old house borer
Color: Brownish black to black but covered in gray pubescence
Shape: Elongated, slightly flattened
Size: 5/8 - 1 inch
Region: Found throughout eastern and central U.S.
Habits

Old house borers attack only softwoods, primarily pine but only the sapwood. They also attack structural timbers and lumber less than 10 years old.

Threats

Old house borers can cause structural damage for homeowners.

Prevention

First try to determine if the infestation is active. If so, then apply a localized pesticide application or contact your local exterminator.