You could but it wouldn't be the best treatment option for several reasons. If you read our POWDER POST BEETLE CONTROL ARTICLE, you'll note we don't list Cypermethrin as a recommended product to use. This is because it won't penetrate the wood being treated nor will it last long. As our article explains, the larvae of the beetles are what's eating it. To get control of the problem, you need to use a product that will both penetrate through and through as well as last a good long time. Though Cypermethrin can be used for shallow living wood boring pests, it's not designed to get deep into the wood grain which is where most powder post beetle larvae will be living.

We do suggest BORACARE to be used for this type of application as it will definitely penetrate and last many years. A good treatment will not only kill the active larvae but will also embed the wood so no other wood destroying organism's can move in.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Powder Post Beetle Control Article:  http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

Boracare:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page52.html

Cypermethrin:  http://www.bugspray.com/item/455864.html

Thanks!

There are many types of powderpost beetles. In other words, this grouping includes a wide range of insects and trying to determine the exact species based on droppings alone is quite difficult if not impossible. This is mostly due to the fact that for any one species the droppings will vary based on the wood on which it is feeding. To make matters more complicated, the level of moisture in the wood being consumed will affect the way the feces molds and shapes. So for every section of log from one tree, the feces pellet might vary dramatically and in fact can look quite different – even when generated by the same beetle. Mix into this the variable of all the different species of wood any one insect might eat and the list of what their droppings can look like will quickly add up to many thousands. These will all have different textures, colors and "looks". For obvious reasons this is not a practical way to determine the species and I'm not sure such a catalog will ever be compiled.

The good news is that based on your description of the "saw dust cylinders", I'm guessing what's happening is that the frass is having a hard time exiting the galleries and is therefore being pushed and compacted a bit. This will lead to a long, worm like dropping which is loosely packed. I've seen them upwards of an inch before and the ones I've seen are quite delicate as you've described. And though there are several types of powderpost beetles that could be living in the logs, there are many other wood destroying beetles that love to target oak trees so again, the list is quite long as to what it might be and I'll have to refrain from guessing what you have for this reason. So what's the "good news" then?

Well, the good news is that whatever species you have, it's definitely eating the white oak you'd like to use to make some furniture. As our POWDERPOST BEETLE CONTROL article explains, it's the larvae which feed and ultimately pupate to emerge as egg laying adults. To stop this cycle, all you'll need to do is treat with the BORACARE we have listed in the article. Once it penetrates the wood through and through, it won't matter what's actually eating the wood. That's because the Boracare will handle any kind of wood destroying beetle, weevil, borer or even termite. I suggest you get the logs you'd like to save treated ASAP and once they're allowed to cure for a few weeks, the problem will be on the way of being shut down and eliminated.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Powderpost Beetle Control:  http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

Boracare:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page52.html

First, the easy question to answer: I'm not aware of anyone getting bit by a powderpost beetle. Now could it happen? Most definitely. Adults have chewing mouth parts used to bore their way out of the host wood where they live. These same mouth parts could no doubt impart a bite upon most anything including a human. But there is nothing they want (normally) on a human so I don't think this is anything to be concerned about nor have I heard of it ever happening. But based on their physical design, they could.

Second, the treatment of your RV would be much the same as if the infestation was in your home, a piece of furniture or any other piece of wood. You'll need to identify the host wood where the larvae are feeding. This wood will have to treated with some of the products we have listed in our POWDERPOST BEETLE CONTROL article. Most people find the BORACARE or JECTA GEL to be ideally suited for RV's but this will depend somewhat on the design of the vehicle, where the wood is mostly located, etc. I suggest you get a good handle on these beetles and the products needed to treat a local infestation and then decide if you need further assistance. At that time you can call us toll free at 1-800-877-7290 for more help.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Powderpost Beetle Control:  http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

Boracare:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page52.html

Jecta Gel:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page156.html

I have seen various crates, pallets and other storage structures made from wood which get infested with powderpost beetles. This is especially true if your business is importing product from other continents and countries. As mentioned in our POWDERPOST BEETLE CONTROL article, we have seen a huge surge in the number of species active here in the States. There is no doubt the global economy is the big reason for this insurgence and with it comes a faster pace at which damage can occur.

Now if the wood in question is unfinished and something you'd like to protect for long term use, the BORACARE would be the best option. As our article explains, it will penetrate through and through killing both active larvae and providing long term protection that could last for many years down the road.

Here are direct links to the article and Boracare mentioned above:

Powderpost Beetle Article:  http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

Boracare:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page52.html

jonathan

www.bugspray.com

2) I make musical instruments and have already finished a bunch of wood to the correct dimensions etc.  Is there a way to determine if these boards have eggs inside them?  Would freezing the boards help destroy any eggs that could be in the wood?  The wood is no more than 1/4" thick.

If you read our POWDERPOST BEETLE CONTROL ARTICLE, you'll notice there is a picture below the 5th paragraph showing exit holes on a hardwood. In fact the firth paragraph explains in detail what it is you're seeing on your English Sycamore boards; it's actually adults boring out exiting the wood after completing their 3rd stage (pupae stage) of development. As our article explains, when you treat there will be a certain population of these pupae still developing in the wood and at some point they'll hatch out. The BORACARE you sprayed won't affect them since they're not eating anything. So this means that when they hatch out of their cocoons, they'll drill out of the wood to the open air as they emerge so to will a fine powder (hence their name "powderpost beetles"). So in summary, what you're seeing is to be expected; only after all the pupae hatch will the cycle run it's course and be done.

The good news is your treatment will at some point (if not already) affect any larvae present that might be feeding. As you know, the Boracare penetrates through and through the wood and once the larvae eat some wood treated with Boracare they'll die. This is actually the key to breaking the cycle of this destructive beetle. You didn't mention how thick the wood is in your section "1)" but if it's 1/4" thick like the wood in section "2)", the Boracare would have penetrated through and through by now. If that's happened, no more chewing or damage is happening as any larvae present will be dead or just about to die. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done for the unhatched pupae other than waiting for them to "run out" and all of them to emerge.

Lastly, there is no way to determine if any wood has eggs. And even if you could tell there is no way to kill them all. Only after the egg hatches and the larvae attempt to feed on the treated wood will they die. When feeding on the lumber you sprayed they'll ingest the Boracare and quickly die off. I know this doesn't offer much in the way of preserving your finished wood that sounds close to ready to become a musical instrument. But I don't think there is anything you can do short of waiting. As I see it, a good idea would be to treat all the lumber you want to use and then store it for a decent amount of time to make sure there are no pupae waiting to come out. As our article explains, some beetles can lie feeding for many years. Should you wait this long before using the wood? I don't think so. But I do believe 6 months is a reasonable amount of time to wait and I know some people who will wait over a year before using any lumber they treat just to be sure. Even that's not a guarantee something will drill out but in most cases it's long enough. Hopefully this gives you some kind of  guage for how long you too should wait before final processing. I'm guessing that just one exit hole would ruin your piece so there is really no room for error in the work you do. If that's the case, waiting longer seems like it would be the smart approach.

For your benefit, here are direct links to the information and products listed above.

Powderpost Beetle Article: http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

Boracare:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page52.html

jonathan

www.bugspray.com

First, what color is the wood where you're finding the dust? In most cases, the color of the dust will match the wood color stain.

Second, is the dust really fine like talc powder? This is a sure sign of powder post beetles. Other wood boring pests will generate a coarse powder which can be fibrous and more like wood shavings that  you'd see from a saw when cutting lumber for building. This is commonly seen when CARPENTER ANTS are active. Additionally, CARPENTER BEES will generate a fine powder and almost wet filing from their drilling depending on the wood which is being damaged.

Third, you really need to look for some holes and/or live insects to help identify just what's active. Carpenter ants would almost surely be visible at some point in the day or evening if they were around. And the same is true for Carpenter Bees. Both these pests actively chew through the wood generating frass and sawdust as they build their nests. However, Powderpost beetles are quite different.

If you take a little time to review our POWDERPOST BEETLE CONTROL ARTICLE, you'll learn the dust you're finding would be from pupae as they're leaving nests and tunnels they bored when they were still larvae. They do this as they feed and after they get their fill, they'll molt into adults and eventually emerge looking to start new nests. It's when they're emerging that all the dust is created and in fact the dust is a sure sign of them leaving and not a sign of them entering.

Our article also explains how to treat such a problem and in most cases a good treatment with BORACARE will be needed. This could involve preparing the wood for the treatment and it could also involve treating a lot more than where you only see activity. At this point it's too early for me to say. However, I know you need to find out just what's active at this time. So for now, focus your attention on finding this out. Look for holes and any insect activity as this would all be clues as to what's active in the wood. Once you learn the species of insect involved, we'll be better able to further advise. At that time you can send me another question or give us a call at 770-985-9392 to discuss your options.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Carpenter Ant Site:  http://www.carpenterants.com/carpenter-ants

Carpenter Bee Site:  http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

Powder Post Beetle Control:  http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

Boracare:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page52.html

jonathan

www.bugspray.com

I have read your statement and I'm not sure I found a question. But if you're asking what you should do regarding the activity you've found, I would say to either get a professional to treat with BORACARE or do the work yourself. Boracare can penetrate several inches of wood and most stair cases are in the 1-2" thickness range. If that's true with your stairs, you'll get good coverage for sure. The only tricky part is figuring out the square footage involved. Take care when calculating this number and as long as you apply enough diluted material, you should be able to solve the problem.

Here is a direct link to Boracare and our Powder Post Beetle control article:

http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page52.html

jonathan

www.bugspray.com

Thanks,
X.

First, it is not possible to judge if you have high quality or low quality wood based on whether insects are present or not. Most all wood is susceptible to insects; hardwood flooring is particularly vulnerable and though oak is strong, it's rare that any home installation of wood floors won't show some insect activity old or new. So if you like the look and the company is reputable, I'm sure they used a good grad of wood as it's hard to mask or get away with using anything less when it comes to good quality wood flooring.

As for the holes you see; you didn't mention if the activity appears to be new or old. This is important. As mentioned in our POWDERPOST BEETLE CONTROL ARTICLE, wood flooring will many times include some cut of the tree which experienced insect activity at some point. But in most cases this activity is old and only adds to the "character" of the flooring. However, if you are seeing sawdust piling up on the floor as well as live insects, there would be cause for concern. Since most any wood floor will have some "holes" in random locations it's not unusual for some to be seen. But just how many do you see that look the same size and are they only now appearing? Also, do they look like they were finished over and that something is drilling through the finish the installing company applied?

Additionally, the quantity of activity you're seeing is important. Are we talking about 1-2 holes or 5-10? Again, this will all factor into the decision making process when the problem is assessed.

Provide more details and I may be able to further assist. But my instinct is telling me you may be looking at either old damage or a very finite few insects that are involved and in the end will die out and disappear. In either case no action would be worth the ordeal of replacing or treating since this is tedious and time consuming. But if have 10 or more holes with more appearing daily, some kind of action like the options we have detailed in the WOOD FLOOR TREATMENT section of our article may be warranted.

Here are direct links to the information I mentioned above:

http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control#wood_floor_beetle_treatment

It will be hard for me to tell for sure just what is going on here without more information or actually seeing the problem. I have been dealing with this kind of "activity" for over 30 years so I've seen a wide range of reasons why or what could be involved. For starters, is the structure a slab home or basement/crawl space structure? More importantly, is the wood flooring resting on a concrete slab or on floor joists?

Also, has the house been treated recently for termites or powderpost beetles? And though you say "this has just been going on for about 6 months", is it possible you didn't notice the damage before?

As I stated above, it's quite hard to determine what could be causing this problem without a good physical inspection. If you forward some pictures, I might be able to notice something I've seen before that could help narrow the choices. But for the sake of helping you understand what's going on, here are some options.

1) It could be old damage. I've seen galleries and other wood damage "hold up" for many years and in some cases not for 10 or more years start to show the true extent of what happened so long ago. Is it possible or does it look like this new damage is something that could have been cosmetically altered some 10-20 years ago and is only now coming apart?

2) If the wood is laying on a concrete slab, you could have termites. They almost always bring in mud and moisture and either would be obvious in the damage you're now seeing. Can you tell if eitehr is present?

3) There are some species of wood boring beetles which lay quiet and somewhat dormant for long periods or time. But based on the home being 70 years old, if there was such an infestation I'm sure one of the "cycles" would have matured several years ago after you first moved in. For it to go this long without you noticing anything lends me to believe it's either old damage or something new.

4) Have you discovered any type of live or dead bug throughout the home? I would inspect by windows and lights or against the wall somewhere. Pay particular attention if you find more than one of something.

In summary, if you supply me with more information, I might be able to do a better "long distance" assessment. Alternatively, you could give us a call. Before you do, I suggest you read our online POWDER POST BEETLE CONTROL article which explains how different infestations are handled in the home. The section on wood flooring would pertain to you for sure.

Tom Grisak

www.grisak.com

Thanks for the great comments. I learned a long time ago that helping people get what they want makes my own success easy to achieve and with that
ideology, have run a successful retail/mail order business for the past 20 years. The internet definitely enabled us to reach a larger crowd when it started but regardless, we still have to provide accurate and easy to digest information. Hopefully we're able to meet these goals and based on our continued success, we must be doing something right.

jonathan

www.bugspray.com

Referenced Article:  http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control