[AT] OT - Powder Post Beetles

[Cecil E Monson]

> Please excuse the off topic posts, but here is another. I had an exterminator company come out to look at the house.  In the basement the inspector found evidence of powder post beetle damage. I now believe that this damage is at least mostly old because my dad says that these pencil point sized holes in the old hand hewn beams have been there at least since 1950 when my granpa bought the house. Does anyone on the list know how I can tell if this pest is currently living in the wood? The exterminator wants $1,000 to treat the beams, but I don't want to pay if the damage is old and the bugs are no longer there.
> 
> The inspector had me real nervous with their description of the potential damage that these bugs do, so I signed on to have this treatement done, but now I'm having second thoughts and might want to cancel....
> 
> Any advice from folks who have had experience with this type of bug would be greatly appreciated.....
> 
> Rob Gray
> NE PA


	As a real estate agent, I can tell you that I have run into
these pests and how I tell if they are active or not. Active powder
post beetles always leave fine powder under the areas where they are
working. Those holes are just the indication they might be there but
if you find powder on anything under the holes, yes, you definitely
have working and active powder post beetles. Not all are active and
the holes last seemingly forever. I've seen barns with holes that
must have been a hundred years old but there was no activity and no
apparent damage to the structure. What I would do is tell that
exterminator you want to see evidence of current activity and have
him show you new dust where they are working. If you find any dust,
you can check this yourself by spreading an old bed sheet under the
holes and checking for dust. It will show up quickly in active areas.

	I showed a home several years ago that had active powder
post beetles. The owner had said they had no problems with pests
but when I inspected the house before showing, I found new powder
post beetle dust on top of both the washer and dryer in the basement.
Believe me, it is easy to spot and there will be no question in your
mind as to what it is once you see it.

Cecil
-- 
The nicest thing about telling the truth is you never have to wonder
what you said.

Cecil E Monson
Lucille Hand-Monson
Mountainville, New York   Just a little east of the North Pole

Allis Chalmers tractors and equipment

Free advice