Mailing Address:
PO Box 26
Niagara, WI 54151
Copyright 2026 Clean Kill Pest Control LLC.
Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin
COUNTIES SERVICED
MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN
Alger County
Brown County
Delta County
Luce County
Mackinac County
Marinette County
Marquette County
Menominee Counties
Oconto County
Schoolcraft County
Shawano County
- IDENTIFY A PEST -
- POWDER POST BEETLE -
Latin Name: subfamily Lyctinae
Length: 1/8-3/4 in
Color: Reddish Brown to Black
Sounds: Larvae Makes Ticking Sound
Digestive Tract: Yes
PEST OVERVIEW
There are two types of powderpost beetles. The
Lyctid powderpost beetle only attacks
hardwoods and can be found in hardwood
floors, kitchen cabinets, baseboard trim,
antiques and other objects made of hardwood
materials.
Anobiid powderpost beetles will infest both
hardwoods and softwoods, and it is the larval
stage that does the damage as they feed and
develop in the infested wood. They prefer
seasoned, older wood located in cooler areas of
the home including floor joists in crawl spaces
of houses, attic joists and wall studs. They can
cause structural damage.
WHY DO I HAVE THEM?
Most powder post beetles are introduced into
homes in lumber or finished wood products
including flooring, furniture, paneling, etc.
Lumber which has been improperly stored or
dried should not be used in the home and
inspect the wood for the presence of beetle
holes.
Typically, serious infestations of powder post
beetles result from people using old lumber
from a barn or woodpile behind their house to
panel a room or build an addition.
TIPS FOR CONTROL
To get your pest problem under control,
inspection is the first and foremost step. This
holds true whether you are tackling the
situation yourself or you are interested in a free
estimate from our trained, experienced staff.
Additional tips for prevention:
•
Identify areas with beetle holes and powder
substance called frass
•
Remove and replace infested wood
•
Paint or finish bare surfaces – they only
infest bare wood
•
Install moisture barriers and/or foundation
vents to decrease moisture
•
Continue to inspect wood surfaces within
home