How to get rid of Wood Borers

Wood borers (Anobium punctatum) are insects that belong to the order Coleoptera, genus Anobium. They have a biological cycle consisting of 4 stages of development: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. Adults do not cause damage, having the role only to reproduce. Damage is caused by larvae that penetrate wood, at first through holes that are difficult to see with the naked eye, then feed on it, forming galleries and filling them with a specific powder. Thus, they can cause holes in various wooden structures, such as: floors, furniture, support beams, etc.

Signs of infestation

Wood borers can cause damage to wood inside homes/buildings, as well as outside. Adults lay their eggs in cracks or various wooden holes, and the larvae consume the interior over a long period (several years). It is generally quite difficult to detect an attack at an early stage. The presence of larvae is noticed later, due to the holes found in wood, with a diameter of about 1-2 mm. The holes created inside wood will be filled with powder, as a result of the larvae’s feeding.

Types of treatments

Depending on the degree of the infestation, it is recommended to treat the wood with insecticides applied by spraying or with powder insecticides. For the control of adult specimens, the use of aerosol insecticide is recommended. However, if the wood is highly damaged, it is advisable to replace it.

Application of spray treatment

The solution is prepared according to the specifications on the label and applied by spraying directly on the wood. In areas where holes created by the insects are observed, it is recommended to apply the solution with a syringe or a similar device. Also, if the holes penetrate deep into the wood, it is advisable to vacuum the wood before applying the insecticide. Thus, a large part of the powder is removed, and the insecticide solution can penetrate much easier into the galleries created by the wood borers.

Also, if signs of their presence are observed inside the house, it is advised to carry out spray treatments, insisting mainly in certain areas such as: around doors, window frames, under furniture, on baseboards, etc. The treatment can be repeated after 7-10 days, according to the specifications on the label.

RECOMMENDED INSECTICIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF WOOD BORERS:

They are biocidal substances used for treatments against wood borers, most acting on the insect’s nervous system. Concentrated contact insecticides are recommended, which are dissolved in water, according to the recommended doses. The solution is applied by spraying on wood, with manual or motorized equipment, depending on the size, space, as well as the treated surface.

RECOMMENDED SPRAYERS:

Sprayers are low-pressure applicators, which are used for the application of pesticides with precise dosing. Their capacity varies depending on the type of devices, their design, the application method (manual/motorized sprayers), and the size of the treated space. Special attention must be paid to the setting of the device, as well as to its maintenance.

Application of powder insecticides

In the holes created by the borers, applications with powder insecticides can be done with the help of special devices. Insects will take the lethal dose when they come in contact with the applied product.

RECOMMENDED POWDER INSECTICIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF WOOD BORERS:

Powder insecticides are ready-to-use insecticides that are applied in the holes created by the borers, with the help of special devices (dispersers) according to the specifications on the label. Because they act by contact or ingestion, pests must come into direct contact with them.

RECOMMENDED DISPERSERS FOR THE APPLICATION OF POWDER INSECTICIDES:

Dispersers are devices specially designed for the application of granular or powder (dust) products. They are mainly used to treat hard-to-reach spaces.

Aerosol insecticide treatments

With the help of aerosol insecticides, wood borer adults will easily be eliminated. Before using the insecticide, depending on the treated space, it is recommended to close doors and windows. The product used must be allowed to act for a few hours, during which time the space must remain closed, according to the specifications on the label.

RECOMMENDED AEROSOL INSECTICIDES FOR CONTROLLING WOOD BORERS:

Aerosol insecticides act by releasing the active substance in a gaseous form, thus covering the entire space to be treated and ensuring the penetration of substance particles into hard-to-reach areas. They come pre-dosed and ready to use. For optimal results, the treated room will be kept closed for at least 2 hours.

ULV treatments

Depending on the size of the treated space, for the control of adult insects, the insecticide solution can be applied using ULV or LV devices. They generate strong currents that occupy the entire space of the room and also, this type of application ensures the persistence of insecticide particles in the air for longer periods, up to one hour.

RECOMMENDED NEBULIZERS FOR THE APPLICATION OF INSECTICIDES:

ULV (Ultra Low Volume) equipment are motorized devices that spray the solution in very fine particles, as light fog, therefore, they can be used for the application of indoor treatments against wood borers. Cold mist nebulizers are used to apply solutions that use water as a solvent.

Protective equipment

Protective equipment has the role of protecting the person performing the disinfection treatments. To avoid inhalation of vapors created during spraying or direct contact with applied substances, it is recommended to wear a complete set of protective equipment. This includes: hooded protective coveralls, gas masks with filters, chemical protection gloves, rubber boots, or waterproof footwear, as appropriate.

• Hooded chemical protection suit

• Protective gloves

• Gas masks, glasses

In conclusion, for the effective control of wood borers, it is recommended to carry out specific treatments in the earliest phase of the attack and it is advised to treat the wood with solutions specially designed to prevent infestation.