Wood-borer identification
Powderpost beetle vs old house borer
Shot-holes in oak are not oval holes in pine. Powderpost beetles and old house borers both live in wood, both get blamed on termites, and both tempt a hardware spray that does not reach larvae. This page splits evidence. Treatment and “how to get rid of” stay on the species cards.
Exit holes, frass, timber, age
| Powderpost beetle | Old house borer | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | Tiny round shot-holes | Larger oval holes |
| Frass | Talc-like (many lyctids) or grittier anobiid powder | Packed in galleries; rasping in beams |
| Timber | Hardwood sapwood, bamboo, rustic furniture | Softwood framing: pine, fir |
| Name trap | Not termites | “Old house” still infests relatively new pine sapwood |
| Moisture | Anobiids worse in damp wood; lyctids in unfinished sapwood | Helps but they are not dampwood termites |
Drywood termites kick hexagonal pellets. Carpenter ants dump shredded wood. When the invoice is structural, a licensed inspector ID beats a forum thread.
Inspection actions
Tape holes and watch for new powder. Note hardwood vs pine. Listen for rasping in framing. Measure moisture. Then open Powderpost beetle or Old house borer. Do not fog a living room as wood treatment. Moisture control for pest prevention is part of prevention for both.
Species pages
Each species article has the control sequence and safety notes. This page only splits look-alikes.
Powderpost beetle
Lyctinae and Anobiinae (and related woodborers)
Powderpost beetles leave tiny shot-holes and fine flour-like frass in sapwood, especially unfinished…
Old house borer
Hylotrupes bajulus
Old house borers are longhorned beetles whose larvae tunnel in softwood (pine, fir) framing. The name…
Common questions
Can I spray the floor and stop powderpost beetles?
Surface sprays miss larvae in the wood. Confirm activity, finish sapwood, replace boards, or hire licensed treatment.
Does “old house borer” mean my new build is safe?
No. The beetle uses sapwood of pine regardless of the house’s birthday.