Powder Post Beetles

There are two common destructive species of powder post beetles: the Lyctid powder post beetles and the Anobiid powder post beetles.

Lyctid powder post beetles are reddish-brown to black in color. They are flat and elongated that measure 1/32 to 1/8 inches long and have a two-segmented antennal club. These insects live and infest in cabinets, hardwood floorings and ornamental woods. They only feed in less than five-year-old hardwoods.

Anobiid powder post beetles are reddish brown to brownish black in color. Its body is slender and cylindrical in shape that measures 1/16 to 1/8 inches and they have 11 antennal segments. They can be found in floor joists and wall studs feeding primarily in softwoods.

Powder post beetles damage a variety of unfinished, untreated, moist, poorly ventilated wood by chewing small, circular exit holes into its surface. These activities can cause structural damage to homes and buildings.