Powderpost beetle-damaged wood does occur in the Lower Mainland mainly in older homes. Usually these homes are built from old growth Fir.

Visual damage by Powderpost beetles are small, round holes 1/6" to 1/8" in diameter. These are the exit holes of the adult beetles. Tunnels inside the wood are filled with fine powder like sawdust and the excrement of the beetle larvae. This powder may be coming out of the holes and form small piles under the holes. The adult beetles are normally not seen.

Adult beetles emerge from April to July, they lay their eggs in midsummer in cracks and holes in wood. Larvae hatching from the eggs tunnel into the wood and they feed inside the wood for about one year until they emerge. Powderpost beetles will attack the wood beams under the structure, especially if there is an exposed dirt floor, with poor ventilation. Softwood with a high moisture content stored in areas out of direct sunlight can also be attacked. Structural damage to wood is caused by re infestation. Wood can be structurally damaged even if it looks normal except for some exit holes.

Powderpost beetles require unventilated dark humid conditions. Keep all exposed wood in your crawl space dry. Cover dirt floors with a plastic or concrete vapor barrier. Ensure proper ventilation and drainage. Control should be done by professional Pest Managers.