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We recently bought a new ... #215041

Asked September 30, 2014, 11:27 PM EDT

We recently bought a new house and have noticed some small black bugs (both dead and alive). These small blackish bugs are approx 1/8 in long and most of them seem to be located on our hardwood floors - see picture attached. We also noted some very small holes (about the size of a pencil tip) near the baseboards on the hardwood floors. Per our internet search, this led us to think they might be the powderpost bug? However, we don't seem to have much wood dust near the holes - but we haven't been paying too close attention. Some of the holes seem like they have been there for a long time. Let me know what type of bug you think this might be and possible action to take. Thanks. Jake

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Existing powderpost beetle infestations are very difficult to control because the larvae are buried inside the wood for the majority of their lives (1 - several years). The best option is often to do nothing unless the infested wood is very valuable. Older wood is less likely to be re-infested by emerging beetles so the chances of new damage is less, but not zero. The only effective treatment is whole house fumigation which can be extremely expensive. In some cases infested wood such as wood floors will be damaged to the point of replacement but often the infestation just "burns itself out".  Since you are not seeing sawdust the holes may be old.  The picture isn't clear enough to give a positive id but it may be one of the grain beetles, if this is the case they are only looking for a home and vacuuming would take care of the problem. See
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/beetles/small/ for more information.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 01, 2014, 9:13 AM EDT

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