Knowledgebase

Wood boring insect #583391

Asked July 25, 2019, 10:42 AM EDT

I have ceader walls and found small holes and paths in wood and power sawdust. Do you know what they are and how to treat them? It's interior walls and no moisture 

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

We have in Minnesota a variety of wood-eating insects. Some are not serious pests - they chew out of the wood and leave and don't reinfest. But some, like the powderpost beetle, can cause damage and can reinfest. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell what you have based on a photograph of the larva. Here are some websites to help you identify. Look for adults.
https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/nuisance-wood-borers-and-seed-insects-homes
https://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/powderpost-beetles
http://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/beetles/small/powderpostbeetle.html

If you have powderpost beetles, my recommendation would be to call a professional exterminator.
Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 27, 2019, 6:20 PM EDT

Loading ...