Borers Pest Control and Treatment

Borers Pest Control

Borers are wood-destroying insects that infest and damage timber in homes, furniture, and structural frameworks. They are the larval stage of certain beetles, which bore into wood to feed and develop. This hidden activity weakens timber from the inside out, often going unnoticed until serious structural damage has occurred.

In Australia, several species of borers are considered pests, including the common furniture beetle, powderpost beetle, and various longhorn beetles. Infestations can affect homes, heritage buildings, and untreated timber structures. Left untreated, borers can compromise the safety of floors, beams, and roof timbers.

What Do Borers Look Like? 

Adult borers vary in size and appearance depending on the species, ranging from small reddish-brown beetles to larger black or striped beetles. However, the real damage is caused by their larvae, which are creamy-white grubs with curved bodies that tunnel inside wood.

Signs of borer activity are often more visible than the insects themselves. These include:

• Small, round exit holes in timber
• Fine powdery dust (known as frass) around affected wood
• Weak or crumbling timber surfaces
• Tunnels visible beneath cracked or broken wood

Because borers spend most of their life cycle hidden inside timber, infestations can progress for years before being detected.

Where Do Borers Live? 

Borers thrive in untreated or damp timber, making homes, sheds, and outbuildings especially vulnerable. They commonly infest:

• Roof timbers and beams
• Wooden floors and staircases
• Antique and softwood furniture
• Wooden window and door frames

Outdoors, they attack dead or decaying trees, firewood, and untreated timber structures such as fences, pergolas, and decks. Some species, such as powder post beetles, prefer hardwoods, while others target softwoods.

Borers are most active in warm, humid conditions, which accelerate their life cycle. Adult beetles emerge from timber to mate and lay eggs, often re-infesting the same area and causing damage to spread rapidly.

Common Types of Borers in Australia

Australia is home to several species of borers, all of which damage timber by tunnelling through it during their larval stage. Unlike termites, which eat wood for food, borers primarily feed while developing inside timber, leaving behind exit holes, frass (fine powdery dust), and weakened structures.

Borers can attack furniture, flooring, roof timbers, and even heritage buildings, making them a serious pest that requires swift attention.

Below are some of the most common types of borers found in Australia and why they are a problem.

Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium puncatum) 

How they look
Small reddish-brown beetles around 3–5 mm long. Larvae are creamy-white grubs that remain hidden in timber until adulthood.

Where they live
They infest softwood timber, including furniture, floorboards, beams, and joists. Exit holes are small and round, usually about 1–2 mm in diameter.

Why they are a problem
Furniture beetles can cause widespread structural damage over time. Infestations often go unnoticed until wood becomes weak or crumbles. They are a particular threat to older homes with untreated timber.

Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus spp.)

How they look
Slender reddish-brown beetles measuring 2–7 mm in length. Their larvae leave very fine, talc-like powder known as frass.

Where they live
They prefer hardwoods with large pores, such as oak and ash, but in Australia they commonly attack native hardwoods used in flooring, joinery, and furniture.

Why they are a problem
Powderpost beetles reduce strong timber to a fine powder, weakening furniture, flooring, and structural timbers. Because they re-infest the same timber, damage can spread quickly and compromise property safety.

Longhorn Beetle (Cerambycidae family) 

How they look
Large beetles, often 10–20 mm long, with extremely long antennae. Larvae are large, creamy-white grubs that can tunnel deep into timber.

Where they live
They infest both hardwood and softwood, often targeting dead or decaying trees, logs, and structural timber. In homes, they can attack roof beams, furniture, and outdoor structures.

Why they are a problem
Longhorn beetle larvae bore deep, wide tunnels that weaken large timber beams. Infestations may continue for years undetected, with adults emerging through oval-shaped exit holes. Their activity can compromise the strength of critical load-bearing structures.

Wood Weevil (Pentharthum huttoni)

How they look
Small, dark brown beetles with short snouts, usually 2–4 mm in length.

Where they live
They prefer damp, decaying wood, often found in basements, under floors, and around leaking pipes or poorly ventilated areas.

Why they are a problem
While they don’t typically attack dry, seasoned timber, wood weevils are a sign of excessive moisture problems in a building. Their presence often indicates timber decay, which can attract other pests and weaken structural components.

How to Identify Borers Infestations 

Exit Holes in Timber

One of the clearest signs of a borer infestation is the presence of small, round or oval exit holes in wooden surfaces. These holes are left behind when adult beetles emerge from the timber to mate and lay eggs. The size and shape of the holes can vary depending on the species, but they are often about 1–3 mm in diameter.

Frass (Fine Powder)

Borers produce frass, a fine, powdery dust created as larvae tunnel through wood. This powder is often found beneath or around infested furniture, beams, or floorboards. The texture of the frass can help identify the type of borer — for example, powder post beetles leave behind frass that feels like talc.

Weak or Damaged Timber

Infested timber may feel weak, soft, or crumbly to the touch. In advanced cases, floors or furniture may sag, creak, or even collapse under weight. Borer larvae hollow out timber from the inside, which means damage can be extensive before it becomes visible.

Adult Beetle Sightings

While most of their lifecycle is spent hidden inside wood, adult beetles may occasionally be seen emerging from infested timber during warmer months. These sightings, even if rare, indicate an active infestation and the potential for reinfestation if eggs are laid nearby.

Spread of Infestations

Borer infestations spread when adult beetles emerge and lay eggs in untreated or susceptible timber. They often re-infest the same piece of wood, compounding damage over generations. Infestations can also spread via movement of infested furniture, firewood, or building materials into new locations.

Property and Structural Damage

Borers pose a serious risk to property integrity. Roof beams, floorboards, window frames, and antique furniture are all vulnerable. In heritage homes, untreated or aged timber is especially at risk. Over time, borers can reduce strong hardwood to powder, compromising safety and property value.

Signs of Heavy Infestation

In severe infestations, timber may show widespread exit holes, fine powder deposits, and structural weakening across multiple areas of a property. Floors may feel spongy, beams may crack, and furniture may break under normal use. In these cases, borers are often well established, with multiple generations inside the wood.

At this stage, professional pest control is essential. Experts can identify the borer species, assess the extent of damage, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate active larvae and prevent future infestations.

How to Prevent Borer Infestations

Borers are one of the most destructive timber pests in Australia. Their larvae tunnel through wood, weakening it from the inside out and leaving behind small exit holes and fine powder. Over time, they can damage floorboards, furniture, roof timbers, and even the structural framework of a house.

Preventing borers from attacking your timber is always easier than treating an active infestation. By protecting wood and reducing the conditions that attract them, you can greatly lower the risk of long-term damage.

Use Treated or Sealed Timber

Borers are far less likely to attack properly treated or sealed timber. When building or renovating, choose pre-treated wood, or apply sealants, stains, or varnishes to furniture, floors, and exposed timber surfaces. Protective finishes make it harder for adult beetles to lay eggs.

Reduce Moisture in Timber

Borers are attracted to damp or poorly ventilated wood. Keep your property well-ventilated, repair leaking pipes and roofs, and make sure subfloor areas have good airflow. Avoid stacking firewood directly against walls, as damp logs can become breeding grounds for borers.

Protect Furniture and Flooring

Antique and softwood furniture is especially vulnerable. Regularly inspect older items for exit holes or fine dust, and consider applying protective treatments. For flooring, ensure hardwoods are properly sealed, and avoid allowing water or spills to soak in, as this weakens timber and attracts pests.

Inspect Timber Regularly

Routine checks can stop a minor problem from turning into a major infestation. Look for small round holes, fine powder, or timber that feels weak or crumbly. Pay close attention to roof beams, subfloor timbers, and areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and laundries.

Store and Handle Timber Correctly

Never bring untreated or infested wood into your home. Firewood, second-hand furniture, and salvaged timber should be checked carefully before use. Store logs off the ground and away from the house, and avoid stacking wood indoors where adult beetles may emerge and spread.

Act Quickly if You Suspect Borers

Because borer damage is hidden inside wood, infestations often go unnoticed until serious weakening occurs. Early detection and prompt treatment are critical. If you find signs of borers, avoid moving infested timber to other parts of your property and contact a pest control professional before the problem spreads.

How to Get Rid of Borer Infestations

Borers are one of the most destructive timber pests in Australia. Their larvae tunnel through wood for years, weakening it from the inside before emerging as adult beetles. By the time exit holes and fine powder are visible, significant internal damage may already have occurred.

Because borers often re-infest the same timber and some species live for several years inside wood, they can be extremely difficult to control without professional help. Eradicating them usually requires a combination of household measures and specialist treatments designed to protect timber long-term.

At-Home Actions to Get Rid Of Borers

Remove and Replace Infested Timber

Where possible, heavily damaged wood should be removed and replaced with treated timber. This is especially important for structural beams, flooring, or furniture that has been severely weakened.

Improve Ventilation and Reduce Moisture

Borers thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas. Increasing airflow in roof spaces and underfloors, repairing leaks, and keeping timber dry can help stop borers from spreading. Timber that stays dry is far less attractive to egg-laying beetles.

Apply Surface Treatments

Some borers can be deterred or killed with surface-applied insecticides, timber preservatives, or sealants. These treatments can protect exposed wood by preventing beetles from laying new eggs. However, they may not reach larvae already tunnelling deep inside timber.

Use Kiln-Dried or Treated Timber

When bringing new timber or furniture into your home, choose kiln-dried or pre-treated wood. This prevents introducing fresh infestations and makes the timber less vulnerable to attack.

Professional Borers Treatments

While small infestations may be managed with at-home actions, long-term protection almost always requires professional treatment. Licensed pest controllers use specialised methods that reach deep inside timber where larvae are active.

Timber Sprays and Surface Treatments

Pest control specialists can apply professional-grade insecticidal sprays and preservatives to infested timber. These treatments kill adult beetles and prevent new egg-laying on exposed surfaces.

Injection and Fumigation Treatments

For severe infestations, technicians may inject insecticides directly into exit holes or carry out fumigation treatments. Fumigation penetrates deep inside timber, killing larvae hidden in galleries. This method is particularly effective for large structures or heritage buildings where timber replacement is not practical.

Moisture and Ventilation Management

Professionals will also identify moisture issues that encourage borers, recommending improvements to ventilation or repairs to leaking pipes and roofs. Reducing humidity levels is key to preventing re-infestation.

Follow-Up Inspections

Because borer life cycles can span several years, follow-up inspections are often necessary to ensure infestations have been fully eradicated. Professionals can monitor treated areas and reapply protective treatments if new activity is detected.

Call a Pest Control Professional

The damage borers cause to timber can be extensive and costly. Left untreated, they can compromise floors, beams, and furniture, putting the safety and value of your property at risk.

A licensed pest control company can identify the species of borer, assess the extent of the infestation, and apply effective treatments that protect timber long-term. They can also recommend preventative strategies, such as timber treatment, sealing, and improved ventilation, to stop future infestations.

Need help now? Book a professional borer inspection on 1300 766 614. Our experts will assess your property, explain your treatment options, and create a tailored plan to eliminate borers and protect your home for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to kill borers in trees?

Borers in trees can be difficult to eliminate because their larvae live deep inside the wood. For small infestations, pruning and safely disposing of affected branches can help. Some treatments involve injecting insecticides directly into exit holes or applying protective sprays to prevent new egg-laying. In cases of severe infestations, professional arborists or pest controllers should be consulted to protect the health of the tree and prevent the spread of borers.

What do wood borers look like?

Wood borers are beetles, and their appearance varies depending on the species. Adults can be small and reddish-brown, like powderpost beetles, or larger with long antennae, like longhorn beetles. However, most of the damage is caused by their larvae, which are creamy-white, curved grubs that remain hidden inside timber until adulthood.

What do borers look like? 

“Borers” is a general term for wood-boring beetles. Adult borers range from 2 mm to over 20 mm in length, depending on the species. They may be reddish-brown, dark brown, or black, and some, like longhorn beetles, have very long antennae. Their larvae look like soft-bodied, white grubs with small heads and are rarely seen unless timber is broken open.

How long do borers live for?

The life cycle of borers depends on the species. Adults typically live only a few weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs. The larvae, however, can live inside timber for 1–3 years, tunnelling and feeding as they grow. This long larval stage is what causes most of the damage, as timber can be hollowed out from within before the infestation is even detected.