Hello, Loyal friends and “dog-blog” fans. Thank you for joining me this week for another dose of bug wisdom; brought to you by Loyal Termite and Pest Control and me, Hunter, Central Virginia’s exclusive K-9 Termite Detective.
I mentioned in an earlier blog, I was sitting in Daddy Nick Lupini’s office one day, when I asked him to help me think of fresh subject matter or content, if you will, for my weekly blog. In my past blogs, and in all my future blogs to come; I want to continue to provide you with interesting termite and pest control information. Information that should help you better understand the various household pests found in our Central Virginia Region. Daddy Nick said, “Hold on a minute, Hunter”. He then began to write down a nice long list of ALL of the bugs, insects and other critters our highly trained technicians go on service calls, daily, to get rid of for our clients. It’s from that list that I discovered we service for the Powder Post Beetle. Enjoy!
The term”powder post” comes from the fact that the larvae of these beetles feed on wood and, given enough time, can reduce that wood to a pile of fine powder. It is because of this behavior, they are considered pests.
Powder post beetle larvae spend months, sometimes years inside wood while developing, feeding mainly on the starch content of the wood. Their presence is only apparent when they emerge as adults; leaving behind pinhole-sized openings often called “shot holes”. They also may leave piles of powdery frass below. Shot holes normally range in diameter from 1/32 inch to 1/8 inch in diameter depending on the species of the beetle. If wood conditions are right, female beetles may lay their eggs and re-infest the wood; continuing the cycle for many years.
Wood preservatives can be used to prevent a beetle infestation. Items that can be infested by powder post beetles include; wooden tools or tool handles, frames, furniture, gun stocks, books, toys, bamboo, flooring, and structural timbers.
If you notice an unusually large amount of “shot holes” in any wood within or around your home you really should call a professional. Can you hear a song coming on? I can!!
Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call LOYAL!! I say, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call LOYAL!!
Thank you for joining in on one of this old dog’s favorite songs. Until next week, this is Hunter, the best darn termite sniffer-outer in the state; wishing you a happy and prosperous week. I’ll be barking at you again next week, Ruff! Ruff!
When it comes to termite and pest control, Hunter says, “If you got ’em, we’ll get ’em!!”
Powder Post Beetles – Hole-y! Mole-y! in Virginia
Serving the Henrico and Richmond VA area since 1960