l
TERMITE & PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Servicing all of Brisbane
Borer Damage To Your Home
Borer, also known as bora or woodworm, primarily attacks "sapwood" and causes structural damage to homes and buildings. This damage is not only unsightly but also poses a significant threat. Borer damage occurs during their larval stage. As the warmer seasons approach, borer activity tends to increase. For property owners and manufacturers, prevention is much more cost-effective than treatment. If you notice any signs of borer activity, we strongly recommend immediate pest control measures to prevent further infestation. Call us today at Ph 3823 2500 if you suspect the presence of wood borers.
In Queensland, there are four species of borer that are of significant concern:
This powderpost beetle is one of the most common timber borer found in Queensland and is widespread. The beetle only feeds on the sapwood of certain hardwood timbers, and they will not do damage to the true wood of hardwoods or softwoods. These timbers are commonly used for decorative timbers such as skirting boards, small dimensioned battens and timber trims. Damage done by this borer will look like small round holes up to the size of a pinhead in the timber. Another sign is that of fine dust that has the texture of talcum powder that is left behind by the borer, stripping the timber of its strength in the process. Timbers that are infested with borer will continue to reinfest other timber until all the susceptible sapwood is destroyed, which can take as little as three to five years of the house being built.
The pine beetle is common only in the south-eastern part of Queensland. It causes damage to the sapwood of the hoop and bunya pine timber. The pine beetle is a very slow working borer and often will take many years before it has produced a large amount of damage. The damage which can be seen in the timber from the borer is round and slightly smaller than the size of an average pinhead and is uniformed in size.
Common Furniture Beetle (woodworm) - Anobium Punctatum
This beetle is most commonly found in imported furniture and the occasional pine timber building and will also attack hardwoods such as English oak and spotted pine. As it prefers colder climates, i,e upland areas in south-east Queensland, it is not considered a pest in warmer regions.
Also known as house longhorn beetle or old house borer. This beetle can live in the larvae stage from 2-12 years before emerging as an adult. Larvae are seldom seen as it hides in tunnels in the wood, boring into the timbers, damaging it from within. The destruction can weaken the integrity of buildings and lead to structural damage. It attacks seasoned timbers and untreated coniferous timber, with hardwood not being affected. House Longhorn Beetle is often spread through the moving of infested timbers, including furniture, ornaments and firewood. It also moves around freely in sunny conditions, enabling it to spread infestation quickly.
How to stop the spread of borer in your home
Replacement of all susceptible timbers is always preferred should you sell your property in the future as it is likely that an inspector will report the borers as active, However this can be very costly and maybe a little impractical. A chemical treatment is a useful way to control and protect against borer damage to your home. It is a lower cost option, but because borer can take up to 3 years to complete their life cycle, it is recommended that a yearly chemical treatment be carried out over the affected area for at least 3 years.
The how-to of treating borer affected timber.
For a free, no-obligation quote, please call our staff at Results Termite and Pest Control Services 07 3823 2500 and talk to one of our friendly staff, or send us an email. We can organise a technician to quickly regain control of your home from your pest problem.
We treat borer’s damage areas by spraying the underside of susceptible flooring and other timbers with a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, to which we add an oil base surfactant to maximise penetration into the timbers. We highly recommend that borer treatments should be carried out yearly for three consecutive years.