< return to Services List
Identification of species is essential to determine if treatment is required and extent of infestation.
Treatment is usually carried out over 3 years to ensure elimination.
Structural timbers and floorboards may need to be replaced.
Notes:
- More of a problem in older houses where borer susceptible timbers, such as Baltic pine, were more likely to be used
- Presence of frass (sawdust)
- Hole size will vary according to the species but will usually be between 1 - 2 mm (pin head like in appearance)
Borers will attack all susceptible timbers whether they be part of furniture or a building.
When borers are in the larvae stage they do most of their damage to timbers. Borers pupate in the timber when they are fully fed just below the surface of the timber and then penetrate through emergence holes after this stage and chew through the outer timber layer.
The female inserts her ovipositor back into a susceptible piece of timber which can be the same piece of timber or they can fly in search of another where she lays eggs and the life cycle recommences.
There are several species of borers commonly found in Sydney, these being Lyctus brunneus (powder post beetles), Anobium punctatum (furniture beetle).
Powder post beetles are not usually considered a major timber pest as damage is confined to sapwood, therefore treatment or the replacement of timber is not usually essential, however we recommend a building inspector be consulted regarding damage.
Furniture beetles require treatment and are considered active unless proof of treatment is available. Damaged timbers can require replacement and treatment is usually carried out annually for a 3 year period.
European house borers are extremely rare in Sydney there have only been about 6 cases, but if discovered becomes a quarantine issue and must be treated by wrapping the house and fumigating.
Phone: 02 9899 7260 Fax: 02 9899 7062 E-mail: info@livermoreandson.com.au
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Service List | Employee List | Related Links
