With over 70,000 species, beetles represent the largest order of insects. Within this vast order are a small number of species that can pose a threat to the wood in the structures and possessions. Wood boring beetles fall into two major categories, those that infest only live trees or recently harvested wood and those that infest dry, seasoned wood used in construction and furniture making.

The term wood boring beetle encompasses many species and families of beetles whose larval or adult forms eat and destroy wood (xylophagous). Larval stages of some are commonly known as woodworms.

Wood boring beetles are usually detected a few years after new construction. The lumber supply may have contained wood infected with beetle eggs or larvae, and since beetle life cycles can be more than one year; several years may pass before the presence of beetles becomes noticeable. Some of them will cause considerable damage if not controlled quickly. Others are of minor importance and attack only unseasoned wood.

Beetles have larval, or grub, stages in their life cycles, and the mature flying insects produce entry or exit holes in the surface of the wood. These holes, and frass (sawdust) from tunnels behind the holes, are generally the first evidence of attack visible to the building occupant or inspector. Cutting into the infested wood often reveals many tunnels filled with frass. Characteristics of the frass and the tunnel system vary between different wood-boring beetle species.

Wood boring beetles are placed into three main groups: powderpost beetles, round-headed borers and flat-headed borers. These three groups include beetles from five scientific families: Lyctidae, Bostrichidae, Anobiidae, Cerambycidae and Buprestidae. Most species are less than 6mm (1⁄4 inch) long, but a few reach 25 mm (1 inch) in length.

Subflooring, hardwood flooring, interior trim, joists, sills and especially beams are subject to attack. Other wood products, such as hardwood furniture, antique wooden items, and other hardwood made products may also be attacked. Log houses are especially vulnerable. Vacation or recreation structures are also more prone to beetle attack because they often have higher moisture content in the wood due to intermittent heating or poor ventilation. The amount of damage caused by wood-boring beetles will vary based on the species of beetle and their unique feeding and egg-laying preferences. Damage weakens structural timbers and results primarily from the feeding activities of the beetle larvae.

Correct identification of the insect responsible for the damage is essential if the appropriate control method is to be selected.


The following beetles that are considered house pests.

    * Ambrosia Beetles
    * Anobiid Beetles
    * Bark Beetles
    * Bostrichids Beetles
    * Flatheaded Borers
    * Powderpost Beetles
    * Roundheaded Borers
    * Other less common beetles