Wood borer is the common name for a number of species of beetles that live and breed in timber. The holes and labyrinths of tunnels created by the beetles during their lifecycle can cause major damage to floorboards, joists, structural timbers and furniture, so it's important to eradicate the nuisance insects as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Here are some tips to eradicate wood borers from your home.
Timber treatment
Whichever species of borer you have, the treatment for infestation is the same.
You'll need to use a solvent-based borer-specific fluid insecticide that can be obtained from good DIY and hardware stores. It's important that the insecticide is solvent-based and contains either kerosene or turpentine. This will infiltrate the timber to kill any borer larvae feeding on the wood beneath the surface. The treatment will also deter adult beetles from laying eggs on the timber surface and should help to keep your wood pest-free for many years.
Solvent fumes can be dangerous to your health so after treatment it's important that you ventilate the room by opening external windows and doors to help dissipate the solvent fumes. You can avoid the danger and smell of fumes if you want to by using water-based products, but they are not as effective as they don't penetrate the timber as deeply as solvent.
To prevent the adult beetles using existing flight holes in polished or varnished wood, use an aerosol injection fluid. These products come with an injection nozzle that fits snugly into the flight holes. This is a great product, as it's very effective at infiltrating the labyrinths inside the wood thereby killing any larvae that are present, and it stops adults from laying eggs inside the flight holes.
Borer beetles fly from October to May. Choose a time during this period to set off 'borer bombs' in loft spaces and cellars where timbers might be vulnerable to infestation by scouting adults. The bombs contain insecticide that kills flying adults and offers some protection to wood surfaces.
Damp wood is very attractive to borers so make sure that your cellar floor is dry and the area is well-ventilated.
Wooden furniture
Solvent-based fluid insecticide can damage expensive varnished, polished or painted furniture. If you have an infestation, you'll need to strip your furniture before you can treat it using solvent borer fluid. If this isn't an option, use the aerosol injection method described above. Have a cloth ready to wipe off any spills or excess product. Check all your wooden furniture regularly for borer activity, and be prepared to treat it at least every three years.
Alternatively, you could opt to have valuable furniture treated by a specialist. Treatment will take place via fumigation of the furniture in a sealed container. This is an expensive option; although, it is guaranteed to eradicate all borers present. The downside is that the treatment is not preventative, and re-infestation could occur.
In conclusion
Wood borer beetles can wreak havoc on your timber structures and furniture if left untreated. It's a good idea to consult a specialist pest control company for advice if you think your property is at risk from damage by borer beetles.
For more information, contact a business such as Pestex Newcastle & Hunter Pest Services Pty Ltd.
Share14 April 2015
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