Chris writes
I'm reasonable sure that the infestation is powder post beetles and have sent two beetles to an entomologist for identification. In the mean time, what should I do to control them? I have suspend, bifen and taurus on hand. Could I inject any of these into the holes, let it dry, plug the holes, and then apply a light localized spray? I bought and installed the #2 grade 3/4 unfinished walnut plank (or strip) flooring from a salvage store about three years ago. The flooring was labeled and I was able to identify the NW Pacific manufacturer, which has since gone out of business. My house is on a slab, but has 2x10 floor joists. The subfloor is 3/4 plywood. Roof tar paper was used between the subfloor and the hardwood. The floor was sanded, stained, and top coated with 3 layers. The infestation is limited to lighter colored boards (sapwood?) and maybe a few exit holes in the darker (heartwood?) boards.There is currently fras around exit holes in three boards, and 2 to 3 fras covered holes each day. I might have seen fras the previous spring, but didn't think anything about it because I was installing tile during that time. One board has a few dozen exit holes, while the other boards have only a handful.
Boracare is the best treatment option for any type of wood destroying insect including powder post beetles. However, no matter how new or old the wood is Boracare can only be used on wood in its raw natural state. If the wood has any type of stain or finish on them you would need to either sand it off and apply Boracare and re-stain it, or drill holes periodically through the areas where you have activity and inject Boracare into the center of the wood. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Answer last updated on: 05/06/2015
