The adult powder post beetle attacks hardwood, Damage caused by the powder post beetle is usually detected with the appearance of small hole(as shown in the photo above) from which a very fine sawdust may fall. Larvae feed on many types of hardwoods used in baskets, furniture, hardwood trim and flooring. Most infestations in homes are almost always due to infestation of the wood before construction.

Powder post beetles have four life cycles: egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Damage caused by powder post beetles is usually minimal. In some cases it may affect the resale value of a home. Typically exit holes are found in the wood. Infestations can spread internally to adjacent wood. The larvae chew from one piece of wood to another.

Control of the powder post can be done by removing all wood that may be infested. Sometimes it can be difficult to know what wood they are in. Fumigation is another treatment option.