Pest Identification: Anobiid Powderpost Beetles in Tennessee

One of the three most destructive powderpost beetle species in the world, anobiid powderpost beetles aren’t insects you want in your Tennessee home. Capable of turning furniture and other wooden structures into a fine, gritty powder, these beetles can cause a great deal of damage inside your property while going undetected.

Also known as “deathwatch” beetles, anobiid powderpost beetles were historically believed to represent approaching death, as their mating call (a loud clicking sound made by bumping their heads against the tunnels they bore through wooden structures) was often heard by the people “on watch” with a person who was gravely ill. 

While anobiid powderpost beetles are certainly steeped in a creepy history, U.S. Pest Protection is here to keep your home protected from these wood-boring insects. As Tennessee’s number-one pest control provider, we have years of experience treating and preventing wood-destroying organisms like powderpost beetles. If you believe these insects are damaging your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call today for your free pest control inspection.

How to Identify Anobiid Powderpost Beetles

Anobiid powderpost beetles are convex, cylindrical insects that are reddish to dark brown. Ranging from 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch, these beetles have winged bodies and a hood-like segment that is located directly behind their head.

Sometimes confused with drugstore and cigarette beetles, anobiid powderpost beetles prefer to infest moist wood in damp crawl spaces, basements, garages, and buildings that don’t have central heating and cooling. Unlike lyctid and bostrichid powderpost beetles, anobiids can seriously damage beams, joists, and other structural components of buildings due to their ability to digest cellulose in wood—a trait they share with termites.

If you believe anobiid powderpost beetles are causing damage to your home’s wooden structures, schedule your free pest control inspection in Tennessee with U.S. Pest Protection.

How to Prevent Anobiid Powderpost Beetles

From lumber and firewood to second-hand furniture, the best way to prevent an anobiid powderpost beetle infestation is to inspect all wooden items before they are taken inside your home. Make sure to examine all unfinished wood surfaces for small, round “shot holes” that signify an infestation is present. Additionally, ensure all areas in your home are free from excessive moisture, as these beetles require 13-30% moisture content to live and breed. Because anobiid powderpost beetles can fly, ensure cracks, crevices, and openings are completely sealed.

Safeguard Your Structure with U.S. Pest Protection

If your home has a crawlspace or other areas that host excessive moisture, it can be a challenge to keep things dry to avoid anobiid powderpost beetle infestations. Thankfully, U.S. Pest Protection is here to provide industry-leading pest control treatments that keep the structural integrity of your home secure.

Regardless if anobiid powderpost beetles are a one-time problem or a regular occurrence, our team can provide you with routine pest control strategies to keep your property protected. Whether you need monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly services, we can design a pest control program to fit your needs and budget.

Schedule Your Free Anobiid Powderpost Beetle Inspection

Much like termites, anobiid powderpost beetles can cause significant damage to your home—costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. At U.S. Pest Protection, our trained technicians have the tools and equipment necessary to ensure these beetles get out and stay out for good. Give us a call today for your free powderpost beetle inspection. Even if we don’t find any beetles now, we can implement pest preventatives to help you rest easy.