- Termites live in colonies close to a source of food such as an old tree stump or wood pile. If your house is infested, you may see termites swarming inside. Treatment for this wood insect includes what is known as "trench and treat" where insecticide is applied to the structure and to the surrounding soil. This trench is typically about 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches wide. Professional pest control for termites is recommended.
- Powder-post beetles are wood eaters that feed on untreated wood. Signs of this wood insect include small tunnels filled with a powdery wood dust. If an active infestation of powder-post beetles is present, apply insecticide to the wood. Fumigation may also be needed. If there is visible damage caused by these wood insects but the infestation does not appear to be active, treat the wood with a finish such as varnish, paint, stain or oil to prevent re-infestation.
- Carpenter bees are large yellow-and-black bees that often are found hovering around eaves or under a wooden deck or rail. These wood insects do not actually feed off of the wood but rather bore holes into it for nesting. The holes' diameter is about 1/2 inch and sawdust can often be found on the ground under the holes. Treatment for carpenter bees is difficult as insecticide applied directly onto the wood may not be ingested by the bees. To prevent future nesting, treat each individual hole with insecticide sprays or powders that contain chemicals such as carbaryl, cyfluthrin or resmethrin.
- A distant relative of the carpenter bee, carpenter ants don't eat wood. This wood insect also bores tunnels into wood for nesting. Common areas where carpenter ants may be nesting include wooden beams, attics, foam or fiberglass insulation, hollow doors and behind kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Treatment for this wood insect begins with finding the location of their nest. Leave out some diluted honey as a bait and watch the ants as they return to their nests. Treat the nests with insecticidal spray or dust. Baits that contain insecticides such as hydramethylnon, sulfuramid, avermectin or boric acid are also available and can be effective in controlling this pest.
- Most home purchases include a wood insect inspection. These inspections should be repeated every few years to identify infestations before significant damage can occur. General home maintenance will also go a long way in preventing these wood insects from damaging your home. Maintain wood treatments including paint, stains or other finishes. Keep the house free from excessive moisture or humidity. Monitor old tree stumps and wood piles close to the home for bugs that are wood eaters.
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