Wood Borer Control & Treatment

How Wood Borers Destroy Your Timber

Wood boring beetles lay their eggs in cracks and crevices in timber. When the larvae hatch, they tunnel deep into the wood -- feeding for months or years on the cellulose within. The visible exit holes and fine powdery dust (frass) you see are left by adult beetles emerging after completing their development -- by which point, extensive internal damage has already occurred.

In South Africa, wood borers are found in furniture, flooring, roof trusses, door frames, and any other untreated or poorly finished timber. Older homes in Gauteng -- particularly those with pine or yellowwood floors and roof structures -- are especially vulnerable.

The key warning sign is small, round exit holes (1-3mm diameter) with fine, cream-coloured powdery dust beneath -- especially on the underside of furniture and in roof void timbers.