In the larval stage, white ¼” grub-like insects eat through seasoned sapwood timbers, causing damage to recently built furniture, as well as structural damage to new homes, although they will attack damp wood in older homes.

With a lifespan of up to four years, furniture beetles can infest furniture and house timbers laying eggs in small cracks, undetected by lumber companies, housing contractors and furniture manufacturers. As the larvae or woodworms mature and eat their way out of the infested wood as pupae, they mate as adults and produce more eggs, that can cause structural damage in newer homes in damp crawl spaces, flooring, wood siding and other moist areas of the home, as well as in furniture. Adult furniture beetles, with their ¼” brown ellipsoidal bodies and a prothorax resembling a monk’s cowl, do not consume wood.

How to Identify Active Common Furniture Beetles

Evidence of an active common furniture beetle infestation can be detected in small holes in wood with small, light-colored non-clumping piles of sawdust called “frass” near the exit holes. Homeowners are advised to contact a pest control professional to inspect and determine what type of insect is causing the damage, and if there’s an active infestation or damage from a former infestation. As controls for different types of wood-boring beetles differ and over the counter bug sprays are ineffective in eliminating common furniture beetles, contact your local Truly Nolen location to schedule a free inspection.