True Powderpost Beetle
Lyctid
Thinking about investing in hardwood floors? Lyctids grow and feed on hardwoods. The beetles lay their eggs in the wood and the larvae feed and destroy it.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
- Round exit holes, diameter 1/32-1/16 in (0.8-1.6 mm).
- Piles of very fine powdery dust, which falls easily from holes, as it is not packed tightly in.
- Presence of emerging adults during late winter/early spring, after which eggs are laid, and larvae begin to bore through the wood.
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Insecta | Coleoptera | Lyctidae | |
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| Size: | True powder post beetle (lyctid) adults are 1/32 to 1/4 in (1-7 mm) long, depending on species. Larvae are up to 1/4 in (6 mm) long. |
| Color: | Adult true powderpost beetle is reddish brown to black. Larva is nearly white. |
| Characteristics: | Adult has a long, narrow, flat body with sides almost parallel; head and often jaws can be seen in top view; antennae with 2-segmented clubs; wing covers are often with rows of hairs. Larva is C-shaped, with enlarged thorax, short 4-segmented antennae, and legs with long claw. |
| Geographic Range: | Around the world; about 11 species in the United States. |
| Food: | True powderpost beetles are a wood destroying insect and eat wood cell contents: mostly starch, with some sugar and protein. |
| Biology: | Adult powderpost beetles (lyctids) are active at night, fly well, and are attracted to light. Female lays (15-50) eggs in exposed wood pores, cracks and crevices, but never on wood that is painted, polished or waxed. The larvae tunnel in sapwood, along the grain, packing their tunnels loosely with very fine, powdery, flour-like dust. After several molts (2-9 months), the mature larva bores back to near the surface to build a chamber and pupate. The adult bores out to the surface to exit, and mates, doing very little feeding. Development time from egg to adult is 9-12 months, but can be as little as 3-4 months, or as long as a few years. |
Prevention Tips For
Termites & Wood Destroying Organisms
Termites & Wood Destroying Organisms
- Remove all wood debris that is in contact with the soil
- Store fire wood away from house and off the ground
- Fix any leaks in pipes and drains
- Make sure drainage from the roof is directed away from the house
- Insulate home well to reduce condensation from temperature gradients
- Replace mulch that is close to the home with gravel
- Schedule yearly termite inspections for your home
It only takes a few minutes to start protecting your home today.
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