Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500543
06/24/03
Bark Beetles
Bark beetles of the Families Scolytidae and
Bostrichidae occasionally tunnel the bark or wane of
exposed floor joists, rafters, studding and sheeting,
especially of new houses, or where older houses have been
remodeled with new lumber. These beetles limit their
taste almost entirely to the bark. If they enter the
wood, it is only for very short distances. They normally
do not tunnel the wood as do the true powder-post
beetles. The annoyance stops when they have consumed the
bark or if the bark is mechanically stripped from the
lumber.
The true powder-post beetles and the beetles that
infest only bark have one thing in common. They both
produce a fine sawdust or wood powder about the texture
of wheat flour. The powder will be the same color as the
bark and wood from which it is produced.
The color of the sawdust plus a close inspection of
the places where the beetle grubs are working will tell
immediately the kind of problem you have. See the section
on powder-post beetles for a description of the damage
done by these insects.
Integrated Bark Beetle Management
For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.
Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label. Heed
all warnings. Check with your physician if you have any
concerns regarding your personal health risk.
Revised by Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .