Anobiid Beetle - The Greater Seattle Wood Eater

Anobiid beetles are somewhat similar in appearance to the lyctid beetle, but have several differing characteristics and behaviors. Although there are more than 200 kinds of anobiid beetles, luckily very few of them infest wood and cause structural damage. They are most often found in homes, in cool locations and are the most common beetles that infest crawl spaces in the Pacific Northwest. The female lays close to 50 eggs in the cracks of soft wood and also other beetle exit holes. It is the powder post beetle that invest hardwoods and is not as common her in the Puget Sound area. As the larvae matures, they chew tunnels in the wood and finally make holes to exit, mate and lay even more eggs. The female anobiid beetles are able to fly, yet almost always lay their eggs on the boards in which they live. This cycle takes about 2-3 years to completion. If the wood is still structurally sound chemical application is the best method to prevent infestation. These wood destroying insects like the wood to be 12-19% moisture content and is why they love crawlspace lumber! The average framing in a Seattle area crawlspace is 12% and with an unventilated crawlspace 21%. We recommend having your crawlspace inspected at a minimum every two years. Call us for a professional inspection 425.608.9553.