What Every Elizabeth City Property Owner Ought To Know About Powderpost Beetles

powderpost beetle on wood

There are all sorts of pests you might be expecting this winter, but you certainly won’t be prepared for these tiny wood-borers!

The powderpost beetle is one of 70 species of wood-boring beetles in the United States. No bigger than three millimeters at most, this beetle is characterized by "club"-shaped antenna, small thoraxes, and dark brown exoskeletons. Powderpost beetles bore deep into wooden objects in order to lay their larvae, which appear as white, curved, flat-headed worms. Larvae may remain in the wood for up to one year and will consume the starch content of the wood in which they live. Once the larvae are grown, female beetles reinfest the wood and begin the cycle all over again.

If powderpost beetles in Elizabeth City infest wood that happens to be inside a home or business, property owners are in for some bad news. Over time, powderpost beetle larvae will cause significant structural damage to homes, outbuildings, and commercial structures. 

How To Make Your Elizabeth City Property Less Attractive To Powderpost Beetles

Powderpost beetles are tiny, sneaky, and overall obnoxious pests with the power to jeopardize your property. Do your part to fight against their encroaching activity by following these pest management techniques:

  • Have all household wood treated against wood-eating pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles.  
  • Do not pile firewood close to the sides of the home. Instead, neatly stack the wood in a dry location roughly 25 feet from the structure. 
  • Mitigate moisture levels both inside and outside the home. Holes and other dips outside may be repaired with fill dirt or pea gravel. Household moisture may be addressed with a desiccant bag or a strong dehumidifier. 
  • Check door and window screens for signs of damage. Immediately replace or repair screens with rips, tears, or small holes. 
  • Use waterproof caulking to repair cracks, fissures, or crevices forming around the home. Pay special attention to areas low to the ground, especially building foundations.

While the above methods help to make your home and property less appealing to powderpost beetles, they may not be able to address every factor present. That is why professional consultations are so important in the prevention of powderpost beetles and beyond. Get a free home inspection through Albemarle Termite & Pest Control immediately at the first sign of pest activity. 

Don’t Get Dusted — Trust In Albemarle Termite & Pest Control!

Powderpost beetles may be the last type of winter pest on your mind today, but the fact of the matter is that this wood-eating pest may come calling in any place, at any time. Certain DIY prevention methods and mindful home pest management procedures may dissuade them from remaining on the premises. However, if these beetles have found a place to settle down, you best be sure they won’t be leaving anytime soon!

The best way to get rid of powderpost beetles is to contact the professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control right away. Protecting North Carolina homes and businesses with over 100 years of combined experience, our team is always ready to address your powderpost beetle concerns. Big or small, Albemarle Termite & Pest Control loves taking care of infestations, and caring for our neighbors in the best way we know how: with care, attention, and a friendly smile!

For questions or additional queries about residential pest protection plans, please contact the Elizabeth City office of Albemarle Termite & Pest Control right away. Service agents are available online, in person, and over the phone to connect you with a service opportunity for your situation. Your home is a safe haven, and we believe it should stay that way. Get all the protection you need from the helpful folks at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today! 

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