Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

How do I get rid of powder post beetles in my hickory floor?

Question: I just got a new hickory wood floor. I think I have powder post beetles. What is the best way to get rid of them?

Answer: The term “powder post beetle” is used to describe several different types of wood-infesting insects. The term is used for beetles that infest only softwoods, only hardwoods, and both. In your situation, hardwood floors, I suspect that you have lyctid powder post beetles—but I’m not sure.

powderpost beetle image

Damage: The damage produced by powder post beetles can vary from a small round hole the size of pencil lead to a larger oval hole. Look for what’s called frass (wood shavings) near these holes. If there is some, pick it up and rub it between your fingers. If the frass is soft, it’s from lyctid beetles, and if it feels gritty, then the frass is from anobiid beetles.

Lyctid powder post beetles (Family: Lyctid): 1/8 inch in size, these powder post beetles can be found throughout a house in hardwood (including flooring). They only like newer hardwoods. These powder post beetles usually don’t reinfest wood and have a lifespan of 1-2 years.

Anobiid powder post beetles (Family: Anobiidae): These powder post beetles go for flooring and ceiling joists and wall studs. They are small with a 1-2 year expected lifespan. This powder post beetle prefers softwoods but will infest hardwoods, too. This is a beetle that reinfests wood and to the point of serious damage.

Control may be difficult to achieve, depending on how the flooring is installed. Once it’s established that the infestation is active, there are a few options. Liquid insecticide will target the areas where the powder post beetles are, since it’s inserted into the materials. If the damage is severe enough, then the flooring may have to be completely replaced. The final option is for the most extreme cases. This is when a tent is set up and full fumigation of the structure takes place.

It would probably be worthwhile to call the supplier of the flooring to see if they have had problems in their stock.

You can call the local Orkin Branch Office and set up an inspection by a highly trained Orkin Inspector who will inspect and discuss the options after making an assessment of the situation.

Related Questions

Orkin used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users:

Question: The last few days we have had very tiny beetle like bugs crawling up through the floorboards from the basement and onto the window sills in our living room. They are very, very small … the size of a small tick. Brown and cream colored. They seem to be able to fly, but not for long distances. They seem to be attracted to the light of the windows. I thought maybe they were carpet beetles, but online descriptions seem to indicate they are too small to be a carpet beetle. Any ideas?

Answer: Well, I’m not sure about this … they may be powder post beetles emerging from wood infested in the flooring. It would be best to get them identified to be certain.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How do I get rid of tiny red bugs in my bathroom?

Q

I looked online, and it sounds like they are chiggers. If this is what they are, is there something that can be done?

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Q

How do I get roaches out of my car?

How do I kill house lizards?

Q

How do I kill house lizards?

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

Q

If the neighboring unit has bed bugs, am I looking at being sprayed every three months?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

Q

What do I do with the clothes?

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

Q

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

Are round holes in tree from termites?

Q

There are perfectly round holes that look like they have been drilled into the base of the tree. I am told that the moisture is just the water seeping out of the tree! Is it termites?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now