Description & Identification
- Colour: Gray to black
- Size: 20 – 25 mm in length
- Distinguishing Features: Long antennae and visible gray hairs
Adult old house borer beetles are gray to black with long antennae and fine gray hairs. They range from 20 to 25 mm in length. Larvae are white with hints of yellow and feature two prominent dark processes at the tip of the abdomen. Larvae can grow up to 6 mm before pupating.
Signs of an Old House Borer Beetle Infestation
Detecting these beetles in lumber can be difficult. Signs include:
- Tunnels within wood
- Chewing or clicking sounds
- Exit holes in finished wood (a clear indicator of active infestation)
How to Remove Old House Borer Beetles
Control begins with reducing wood moisture levels. At the first sign of infestation, remove affected wood if possible. Because adults can re-infest and larvae can live inside wood for years, early intervention is crucial.
For significant or persistent infestations, contact a professional pest control service to assess and treat the problem effectively.
How to Prevent Old House Borer Beetles
- Keep wood dry using vapor barriers and proper heating and ventilation.
- Remove freshly cut or dying wood from around the property, especially during spring and summer mating seasons.
- Use kiln-dried and varnished wood whenever possible.
Habitat, Diet & Life Cycle
Old House Borer Beetle Habitat
Old house borer beetles are found across North America, including British Columbia and Yukon. They infest primarily softwoods, especially in moist environments like damp crawl spaces, basements, and storage areas.
Old House Borer Beetle Diet
Larvae feed on sapwood, particularly relatively unseasoned softwood. Older timber suffers more damage because larvae must consume more to obtain sufficient nutrients.
Old House Borer Beetle Life Cycle
Larvae overwinter inside wood and increase feeding as temperatures rise. In homes, heat can accelerate damage. After feeding, larvae create pupal cells and eventually emerge as adults. Females lay eggs in wood crevices, continuing the cycle.
How Serious Are Old House Borer Beetles?
Larvae can seriously compromise wood structures by creating tunnels parallel to the grain. This weakens the wood’s integrity over time. As adults emerge, they leave visible exit holes that mar the wood’s appearance. Infestations left untreated can cause structural damage requiring costly repairs.