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.