Pest Control of Timber Borers

Learn about timber borers and
professional pest control methods

Timber borers can be real pests....

A variety of borers will attack a range of timbers, such as (1) borers found in living trees or freshly felled timber (2) in moist timbers, and (3) borers which attack dry seasoned wood, such as, timber flooring, structural and decorative timbers, and furniture, whereby steadily increasing intensity of infestation may occur. Borers are a major pest species of certain expensive timbers in a building. For example, the common Anobium borer can severely damage Baltic pine timber flooring and furniture. LIFE-CYCLE: An adult female borer beetle will lay her eggs within susceptible timbers. The eggs hatch into a grub (larvae), which will feed on the starch content of the timber. The borer larvae will readily eat along the timber grain, creating a network of tunnels. When the larvae is fully-grown, it will pupate sometimes over a long period of time to become an adult beetle, which exits the timber through a hole made in the timber surface. The emerging female adult will lay her eggs, and the life-cycle goes on intensifying the infestation and damage. IDENTIFICATION: The size of the exit holes and texture of the dust (frass) emitted, will enable a pest control expert to identify the species of timber borer and therefore it's potential to cause damage to susceptible timbers.

Anobium borers attack Furniture or Baltic Pine Flooring

Anobium borers, also called Furniture Beetles or scientifically Anobium punctatum, can cause severe damage to Baltic pine timber flooring, particularly in older houses with damp flooring timbers caused by poor sub-floor ventilation or moisture control. Anobium borers are also often found in antique and other furniture of various timber types, sometimes years after the furniture has been acquired. You may first notice the small exit holes and accompanying dust emitted from the exit holes in the timber.

Pest Control: Anobium borers in Baltic Pine Flooring

(1) in severe cases, the removal and replacement of all damaged and infested timber with highly resistant or chemically treated timbers or particle board, which can be a very expensive undertaking. Improvements in sub-floor ventilation may also be recommended. (2) in slight or moderate infestations, the application of a registered insecticide to the underside of the flooring on an annual basis over a three year period to cover the life cycle of the Anobium borer. We recommend you contact a professional who has the equipment and technology to solve the problem.

Pest Control: Anobium borers in Baltic Pine Furniture

It is essential that such furniture be fumigated in a special fumigation chamber. The fumigation gas used will penetrate the timber and kill all insect life therein. Most furniture and foodstuffs for import/export into/out of the country are fumigated in this way. The cost of such fumigation is fairly inexpensive provided a fumigation chamber is near you, as the delivery costs are separate and usually paid for and organized by the furniture owner. Borers holes found in living trees, fresh logs, moist timbers (not in a building) can be injected with an insecticide specifically registered for this purpose. Such products are available at the larger stores or garden product shops.

Lyctus borers - susceptible Hardwood Timbers

Various State Governments have enacted a Timber Marketing Act, which prohibits timber being sold for use in buildings if it has more than 25% as sapwood content. It is the sapwood portion of felled timber (logs) that is susceptible to attack and damage by the Lyctus borer, also called Powder Post Beetle or Lyctus brunneus. Therefore, any damage from this borer to such timbers will be structurally insignificant. However, if the timber you purchased has Lyctus Borer damage it should be returned to the place of purchase and exchanged.

Find out how to protect Your Home from termites

Termites are highly effective timber destroyers. Your home could have termites without you knowing it. What makes matters worse, home insurance does not cover the damage, which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars. RECOMMENDATION: Obtain a termite inspection documented report to assess the risk of infestation and cost of preventative measures.

Learn about other common household pests

	Ants		Borers		Silverfish
	Bed Bugs		Roaches		Spiders
	Bees		Fleas		Termites
	Bird Control		Rats & Mice		Wasps

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