Thread: Beetle Damage

I always like to post these pictures when I run across some really extensive damage. Hopefully, it's helpful for anyone who has never run across it.

This is about the worst damage I have ever seen. Note the floor joist in the first picture compacting and crumbling over the beam. These joists were so riddled that I actually held back probing in some cases for fear of the hosue collapsing on me.

The second and third pictures are a before and after probing.

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Are you sure its not possibly dampwood termites?

rick

Matt,

Good photos, but ...

That damage is not that bad, it's only about a 4 on a 1-10 scale with 10 being really bad.

Rick,

Looks like powder post beetles to me.

I think your correct after looking at pic. 2 a bit more. Obvious exit holes so its probably as mentioned Powder Post beetles.

Here's another Beetle on a Post.

rick

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Here's another Beetle on a Post.

Rick,

Looks like snow (powder) on the ground in that photo, does that make that a ... powder ... post ... beetle?

It's Anobiid beetle damage (AKA the western deathwatch beetle). They are the most common wood destroying beetle found in the Northwest. They are typically pests of softwoods.

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

It's Anobiid beetle damage (AKA the western deathwatch beetle). They are the most common wood destroying beetle found in the Northwest. They are typically pests of softwoods.

Say Trent... Do you known why they are called Deathwatch Beetles?

Best

Ron

Originally Posted by Ron Bibler

Say Trent... Do you known why they are called Deathwatch Beetles?

Best

Ron

Ron:

The death watch beetle is a beetle that produces a ticking sound by tapping its jaw on wood during the mating season. The sound has given rise to a superstition that it foretells death.