Bark beetles of the Families Scolytidae and Bostrichidae occasionally tunnel the bark or wane of exposed floor joists, rafters, studding and sheeting, especially of new houses, or where older houses have been remodeled with new lumber. These beetles limit their taste almost entirely to the bark. If they enter the wood, it is only for very short distances. They normally do not tunnel the wood as do the true powder-post beetles. The annoyance stops when they have consumed the bark or if the bark is mechanically stripped from the lumber.
The true powder-post beetles and the beetles that infest only bark have one thing in common. They both produce a fine sawdust or wood powder about the texture of wheat flour. The powder will be the same color as the bark and wood from which it is produced.
The color of the sawdust plus a close inspection of the places where the beetle grubs are working will tell immediately the kind of problem you have. See the section on powder-post beetles for a description of the damage done by these insects.
Integrated Bark Beetle Management For a complete listing of suggested control options for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your local Extension Service, found under local government in the phone book.
Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label. Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have any concerns regarding your personal health risk.
Revised by Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology
MSU 2003
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