The Wood Borer Beetle (Ptilinus pectinicornis) is a small ‘woodworm’ beetle of the family Anobiidae, and is closely related to the Common Furniture Beetle. It produces holes that are similar in size, 1~2mm, with a talc-like pink or cream bore dust or ‘frass’ that is quite difficult to dislodge from the timber. The bore holes are numerous and close together.
Adult Ptilinus pectinicornis beetles are up to 3.5-5.5mm length. They are distinctive due to the highly developed antennae; eyes much larger in the male. The beetles have black or brown heads with a lighter body.
Species attacked include hardwoods like beech, elm and willow. Unusually, in addition to normal tunneling damage by the larvae, the adult female beetle actually bores into the wood. It is stated that the female, having excavated a brood chamber in wood and laid eggs, remains in the chamber to protect the brood. Damage often originates in timber yards and the 'infestations' are not uncommon in air-drying timber intended for furniture manufacture. A dramatic picture can be found here.
Woodworm Treatment
In this case the infestation may be remedied by insecticidal treatment, although in some cases it may be cost-effective to replace the damaged timbers. Consult a woodworm specialist to diagnose the type of woodworm infestation and the appropriate treatment. Peter Cox Ltd will send an experienced surveyor to visit your property. They will describe the potential woodworm treatment costs and alternatives. Please contact us by completing our woodworm enquiry form or by telephoning us on 0800 030 4701.
In this case the infestation may be remedied by insecticidal treatment, although in some cases it may be cost-effective to replace the damaged timbers. Consult a woodworm specialist to diagnose the type of woodworm infestation and the appropriate treatment. Peter Cox Ltd will send an experienced surveyor to visit your property. They will describe the potential woodworm treatment costs and alternatives. Please contact us by completing our woodworm enquiry form or by telephoning us on 0800 030 4701.
References:
THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF PTILINUS PECTINICORNIS L. WITH A NOTE ON THE TERMINALIA OF THE PUPAL ABDOMEN (COLEOPTERA: ANOBIIDAE) P C Gardiner 2009
BRE307 Identifying damage by wood-boring insects
