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Household Insects
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Powderpost Beetles
by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit
The term "powderpost" comes from the fact that the larvae of these
beetles feed on wood and, given enough time, can reduce it to a mass
of fine powder. Powderpost beetles spend months or years inside the
wood in the larval stage. Their presence is only apparent when they
emerge from the wood as adults. At this point they leave two things
behind, pin hole openings, often called "shot holes," and piles of
powdery frass, fragments of wood similar in appearance to coarse
sawdust. Shot holes normally range in diameter from 1/32" to 1/8",
depending on the species of beetle. If wood conditions are right,
female beetles may lay their eggs and reinfest the wood, continuing
the cycle for generations. Heavily-infested wood becomes riddled
with holes and galleries packed with a dusty frass. Both hardwood
and softwood can be attacked by powderpost beetles.
Items that can be infested by powderpost beetles include wooden
artifacts, frames, furniture, tool handles, gun stocks, books, toys,
bamboo, flooring, and structural timbers.
Unlike termites and carpenter ants, powderpost beetles can be easily
managed and controlled with topical applications of common
insecticides. Apply any residua insecticide registered for the site
infested directly to the localized area as directed. If powder frass
discontinues the infestation is controlled .
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Termite Swarmers
by Dennis Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit
These are the members of existing termite colonies which go out to
start new colonies. During early spring, thousands of these will
emerge from the ground. They have black bodies about 1/8 inch long
with four 1/4 inch clear wings. Unlike ants, they do not have
"pinches" waists.
Swarmers themselves do no cause any damage, as they do not feed.
However, they are a sign that there is a colony of termites nearby.
Because of their short life span and habits, there is no need to
control swarmers. If they do show up in a building or within 10 feet
of the exterior of one, a careful inspection of the structure for
termite infestation should be conducted.
The most prominent sign of termite infestation is the presence of
mud shelter tubes about the size of a pencil. They extend from the
ground to wooden portions of a building. They are hollow, and if the
insects are currently active, the tubes contain hundreds of small
white termites. Look for mud streaks in cracks and on woodwork and
drywall, too.
If you suspect that a building is infested by termites, it is a good
idea to have it inspected by a pest control professional. Termites
work extremely slowly and, if they are found, it is good to spend
time choosing a reliable pest control company which uses suitable
methods for your situation. Get a minimum of four bids. Request that
bids be specific, detailing the chemical(s) and methods to be used
as well as the price. Because of termites' potential for great
damage, it is important to identify these pests and evaluate control
procedures.
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