Battling Borers: Identifying and Managing Pinhole, Furniture, and Powder Post Beetles

1. Pinhole Borer (Platypus spp.)

The Pinhole Borer, also known as Platypus Beetle, is a small but destructive beetle species that primarily targets stressed or weakened trees, rather than seasoned timber. These beetles are more of a concern for those involved in forestry or dealing with logs and firewood.

What They Attack: Pinhole Borers typically attack standing trees that are already compromised by factors like drought, disease, or injury. They create pin-sized entry holes and tunnel deep within the tree.

Identification: Identifying Pinhole Borers can be challenging, as they are primarily a concern for those dealing with trees rather than timber. Look for tiny entry holes and sawdust-like frass around the holes on the bark

2. Furniture Beetle (Anobium Punctatum)

The Furniture Beetle, also known as Anobium Punctatum, is a common borer species known for its destructive potential in timber structures.

What They Attack: Furniture Beetles have a penchant for timber, especially pine, but they can infest various hardwoods as well. They often target wooden furniture, flooring, and timber wall panelling.

Identification: Furniture Beetles leave small, round exit holes (approximately 2mm in diameter) on the surface of timber. Additionally, you may notice fine and gritty frass (a mixture of faeces and chewed wood) near these holes. The wood attacked by these borers may appear honeycombed.

3. Powder post Beetle (Lyctus spp.)

Powder post Beetles are notorious for their ability to destroy timber, making them a significant concern for homeowners and property managers.

What They Attack: Powder post Beetles primarily target the sapwood of susceptible hardwood timber. Structural timbers should contain no more than 25 percent Lyctus-susceptible sapwood to avoid infestations. They typically attack within the first 6 to 12 months of timber's service life.

Identification: Powder post Beetles leave tiny, round exit holes in timber surfaces, which are usually about 1-2mm in diameter. Unlike Furniture Beetles, the frass produced by Powder post Beetles is powdery and consists of fine wood particles.