Old House Borers

Old House Borers

 

The old house borer is one of the most injurious wood-destroying insects. The name is somewhat misleading since a large number of infestations are noticed in homes just four to seven years after construction. The larva bores through wood and also feeds on it. Tunnels made by the larva weaken structural timbers. The borers feed only in pine, spruce, and other coniferous woods.

Infestations are hard to detect in the early stages since larvae are small, develop slowly the first year and there are no external signs of damage. Only in advanced stages will surface bulges become evident due to larval activity. Homeowners may hear their gnawing “clicking-like” sounds. By breaking the surface with a sharp object where tunneling is suspected, one can find tiny rod-like fecal pellets (which crumble easily) and fine, powdery material. The oval exit hole created by the emerging adult old house borer can be 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch in diameter.