Insecticide For Powder Post Beetles

Powder Post Beetles are potentially damaging pests which are often hard to identify by the untrained eye. These seemingly-harmless beetles actually damage wood by (what would seem like) feeding on it like normal insects do! Standard insecticides are not effective against Powder Post Beetles because this a non-target pest of these products. However, some quality branded pesticides have been developed just for Powder Post Beetles and infestations. This article compiles the best products that have proven success in getting rid of them.

Insecticide For Powder Post Beetles

The term powderpost beetle refers to several species of wood-destroying beetles that belong to three different families of beetles (Lyctidae, Bostrichidae and Anobiidae). Their common name is derived from their fine, powdery frass (excrement) that accumulates under infested wood. Powderpost beetles are second only to termites in their ability to destroy wood in structures and furniture. They are capable of re-infesting dry, seasoned wood year after year. The interior of the wood that is repeatedly attacked is completely riddled with holes and galleries packed with the powdery frass. Powderpost beetles can infest any untreated or non-sealed wood article. Some species only attack hardwoods, while others feed only on softwoods, and some species will feed on both. Under normal conditions, powderpost beetles require about a year to complete their development. However, if the wood has a high moisture and starch content, development may be completed in 6 months. The moisture content of the wood is a very important factor in managing powderpost beetles. Wood should be maintained below 20% moisture content to reduce its suitability to powderpost beetles. Some experts believe if the wood is kept dry enough, then no insecticide application is necessary.

Powderpost beetles can also be controlled by sealing the surface of the wood with shellac, paint or varnish which discourages female powderpost beetles from laying eggs on these surfaces. Chemical control of powderpost beetles includes three options. Fumigation with a penetrating gas (methyl bromide) is the most effective means of chemical control but it is also the most expensive, and in most cases, prohibitedly so. Fumigants are the most dangerous type of insecticide and can only be applied by a professional applicator with special certification.

Insecticide sprays applied to wood surfaces are also effective in controlling powderpost beetles. Tempo (cyfluthrin) and two borate products called Bora-Care and Tim-Bor are the only registered insecticide sprays that can be used in occupied structures. Borates can be applied at anytime, but two applications are required to provide effective control. Borates must penetrate the wood to be effective, therefore, it should not be used when the wood to be treated has been painted or sealed with polyurethane. Bora-Care can be purchased from an outfit in Maryland called PRG (short for Preservation Resource Group) at (301) 309-2222. If you interested in Bora-Care, call these folks and they will send you a brochure about their product line or see them on the web at http://www.prginc.com.

Tempo (cyfluthrin) is also available under the brand name Bayer Advanced Garden Insect Control or Bayer Advanced Home Insect Control. It must be applied just before the adult beetles emerge in late spring to be effective. Tempo should be applied in mid-May and again around the first of August. Eye goggles are a must when treating for powderpost beetles since you will be spraying areas above your eyes. Provide good ventilation when applying any insecticide indoors. Be sure to read and follow all the instructions and safety precautions found on the pesticide label before using any pesticide.

Insecticide For Powder Post Beetles

In the last few years, powder post beetles have become a major problem in many homes. These small black beetles bore into wood and create tunnels that weaken the wood and leave it susceptible to damage or even collapse. The best way to prevent this is to use an insecticide that targets powder post beetles during construction or renovation projects.

The best insecticides for powder post beetles are ones that contain bifenthrin and cyfluthrin. These chemicals can be found in products like Ortho Home Defense Max Insect Killer for Powder Pests, which comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle. The active ingredients work by blocking receptors in the insects’ nerve cells, causing paralysis and death within minutes of exposure.

Another option is BASF’s Confirm LV Sprayable Liquid Insecticide, which comes in a bottle with a spray nozzle attached on one end so you can apply it directly to areas where bugs may be hiding (such as behind molding). This product uses bifenthrin as its active ingredient as well.

List Of Insecticide For Powder Post Beetles

Nisus BORACARE
Price : $86.39
Features :

  • Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate (Borate) 40%
  • How Bora Care Works Boracare contains an inorganic borate salt, soluble in water, with insecticidal
  • Wood Destroying Fungus, Termite Control and wood-destroying insects such as termites, carpenter

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 10.1 Inches
Width 4.85 Inches
Length 7.3 Inches
Weight 12 Pounds
Nissus Bora Care - 1 Jug Natural Borate Termite Control NI1001 1 Gallon
Price : $89.76
Features :

  • Cannot be shipped to New York
  • Protection against subterranean termites, drywood termites, Formosan termites, wood destroying beetles and decay fungi.
  • # No more scheduling hassles – No need to leave home during treatments # Eliminates weather delays
  • spray or brush or roll on the surface of the wood
  • Kills existing infestation in wood, Patented formula penetrates deep into the wood

Additional Info :

Color Clear
Item Dimensions
Height 10.1 Inches
Width 4.85 Inches
Length 7.3 Inches
Weight 11 Pounds
INSCTICIDE&FNGICIDE 1.5#
Price : $21.32 ($0.89 / Ounce)
Features :

  • Timbor can be used as a Dust, Liquid, or Foam. It is water soluble, economical, odorless and can
  • Wood destroying organisms including: Termites, Beetles, Carpenter Ants
  • For use in Interior and exterior as an insecticide, fungicide, or wood preservative. Use on untreated wood.
  • Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate
  • 1.5 lb bag

Additional Info :

Color White
Item Dimensions
Height 3.35 Inches
Width 6.6 Inches
Length 8.85 Inches
Weight 1.5 Pounds
Tim-bor Professional Insecticide and Fungicide, 1.5 lb. bag
Price : $15.60
Features :

  • 1.5 lbs
  • Active ingredient: Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate 98%
  • Not for sale: CT, NY

Additional Info :

Color Clear
Item Dimensions
Height 1 Inches
Width 8 Inches
Length 10 Inches
Weight 1.5 Pounds
Rockwell Labs BAIP001 BorActin Insect Dust Insecticide, 1 lb, White
Price : $11.95
Features :

  • Kills cockroaches, Palmetto bugs, waterbus, ants (excluding carpenter ants), silverfish and darkling beetles
  • 99% boric acid active ingredient, remains active until removed. Broad label for use in residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural applications, including both food and non-food areas and for darkling beetle control in poultry houses
  • Will not break down in heat or UV light – moisture resistant, odorless formula
  • May be used in new construction pre-treat applications for prevention of cockroach and dry wood termite infestations
  • New label additions allow use as a liquid spray, foam or as a mop solution, and as a drain treatment for drain flies

Additional Info :

Color White
Item Dimensions
Height 11 Inches
Width 3 Inches
Length 3 Inches
Weight 1.24 Pounds

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