Wood borer vs termite — how do I tell?

Wood borers are beetles: you see small round exit holes and fine frass (sawdust). Termites often leave mud tubes, different frass, and no round beetle-style holes. If you see mud or soil on timber, get a termite inspection. Our termite identification guide has more detail.

What are the small holes in my wooden floor?

Small round holes (1–2 mm) with fine frass are typical of wood borer (furniture beetle or powderpost). An inspection can confirm the species and extent. Early treatment prevents further damage.

Furniture beetle vs powderpost — what is the difference?

Furniture beetle (Anobium) infests softwood and hardwood; frass may have small pellets. Powderpost (Lyctus) prefers hardwoods; frass is very fine, flour-like. Both leave round exit holes. Treatment options are similar; we can identify and recommend.

Can wood borers spread to other furniture?

Yes. Adult beetles can lay eggs on other timber. Treat infested items and avoid moving infested wood into unaffected areas. Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it inside.

When should I get professional wood borer treatment?

As soon as you see exit holes or frass. We offer injection for structural timber (with 2-year guarantee) and heat treatment for furniture. Early action limits damage.

How do I use the quick comparison table?

Match what you see (hole size, frass type, type of wood — hardwood vs softwood) to the table to identify furniture beetle, powderpost, or bostrichid. Use the "Termite" row to rule out termites. Then read the species card for treatment options.

Wood Borer Identification Guide

Wood borers are beetles whose larvae tunnel inside timber and furniture, leaving small exit holes and fine frass (sawdust). They are not termites: wood borers leave round holes and powdery frass; termites often leave mud tubes and different damage patterns. Correct identification — furniture beetle vs powderpost beetle — helps you target the right treatment (injection for structural timber, heat for furniture). This guide covers what to look for, how to tell wood borer damage from termite damage, and when to get a professional inspection.

Identify furniture beetle and powderpost beetle. Know exit holes, frass, and when to get wood borer treatment.

Need wood borer treatment?

Call Get a quote See Wood Borer Control

Inspecting antique furniture for wood borer signs — identification guide context; species cards describe furniture beetle, powderpost beetle, and bostrichid damage

How to use this guide

Look at the damage — small round exit holes (1–3 mm) and fine powdery frass = wood borer; mud tubes or different frass = consider termites.
Note hole size — pin-head to 2–3 mm typical for furniture beetle; similar for powderpost; larger holes may be other beetles.
Check where — floorboards, furniture, beams, skirting; hardwood vs softwood can point to powderpost vs furniture beetle.
Look for adult beetles — small brown beetles near windows or on timber in spring/summer; larvae stay hidden inside wood.
Rule out termites — termites often build mud tubes, leave different frass, and damage can look different; get an inspection if unsure.
Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; early treatment prevents further damage.

Quick comparison

Beetle / pest	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Common furniture beetle	Brown; oval	Adult ~3–4 mm; exit holes ~1–2 mm	Furniture, floorboards, structural timber; softwood and hardwood	Round exit holes; fine frass; larvae tunnel 3–5 years
Powderpost beetle (Lyctus)	Reddish-brown; elongated	Adult ~4–7 mm; exit holes ~1–2 mm	Hardwoods (oak, ash, bamboo); furniture, flooring	Fine powder frass; wood reduced to flour-like dust
Bostrichid (horned) powderpost	Brown; robust; head often hidden	Larger than Lyctus; exit holes 2–3 mm	Softwood and hardwood; unfinished floors, bamboo	Larger holes; can infest both softwood and hardwood
Termite (not a wood borer)	Mud tubes; cream-coloured workers	Exit holes vary; often mud or soil present	Structural timber; ground contact; mud tubes on walls	Mud tubes; different frass; get termite inspection if suspected

Species at a glance

Use the cards below to match what you see — appearance, where they are found, and behaviour.

Common Furniture Beetle

Anobium punctatum

Appearance

Adult: small brown beetle, ~3–4 mm long; oval, rounded shape
Exit holes: round, ~1–2 mm diameter
Frass: fine powdery dust; may include small pellets
Larvae: cream-coloured, curved; live inside wood, not usually seen

Commonly found

Furniture (especially older or antique)Floorboards and joistsSkirting boards and panellingStructural timber (beams, roof timbers)Softwood and hardwood

Behaviour

Larvae tunnel inside wood for several years (often 3–5) before pupating and emerging as adults. Adults leave round exit holes and may be seen near windows in spring or summer. Damage can be extensive before it is noticed. Common in older buildings and untreated timber. Injection treatment targets structural timber; heat treatment can be used for furniture.

Why you may be seeing them

Infested timber or furniture brought into the property; or long-standing infestation in structural wood. High moisture in timber can increase risk. Exit holes and frass are the main signs; adults are short-lived and may be missed.

Often confused with

Powderpost beetle (powderpost prefers hardwoods; frass very fine, flour-like) · Termite (termites leave mud tubes and different frass; no round beetle exit holes) · Deathwatch beetle (similar family; less common in South Africa)

When to get help

Exit holes or frass in floorboards, furniture, or structural timber. Early inspection and treatment prevent spread. We offer injection for structural timber (with guarantee) and heat treatment for furniture.

Often called "woodworm". The beetle is the adult; the damaging stage is the larva inside the wood.

Common Furniture Beetle pest guide Need wood borer treatment? See Wood Borer Control

Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus)

Lyctus brunneus / Lyctidae

Lyctus powderpost beetle — identification photo (true powderpost, hardwood context) — Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus) — identification image

Appearance

Adult: reddish-brown, elongated, ~4–7 mm
Exit holes: round, pin-head to ~1–2 mm
Frass: very fine, flour-like powder; no pellets
Damage: wood can be reduced to a shell full of powder

Commonly found

Hardwood furniture (oak, ash, mahogany)Hardwood flooringBamboo and bamboo productsParquet and veneersNew or recently installed hardwood with high sapwood

Behaviour

Larvae feed on starch in sapwood; life cycle can complete in about a year under favourable conditions. Frass is characteristically fine and powdery. They prefer hardwoods; softwood is less often affected. Treatment may include surface treatment, injection, or heat for furniture. Reducing moisture and using seasoned or treated timber helps prevent reinfestation.

Why you may be seeing them

Infested hardwood or bamboo brought in; or timber with high starch content. New flooring or furniture can harbour eggs or larvae. Fine powder accumulating under or on timber is a key sign.

Often confused with

Common furniture beetle (furniture beetle in softwood and hardwood; frass may have pellets) · Bostrichid powderpost (bostrichid larger; infests softwood too) · Termite (mud tubes; different frass; different damage pattern)

When to get help

Fine powdery frass or exit holes in hardwood furniture or flooring. Professional inspection confirms species and extent; treatment options include injection and heat.

Name "powderpost" comes from the fine, flour-like frass. Lyctus species are the most common powderpost beetles in South Africa.

Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus) pest guide Need wood borer treatment? See Wood Borer Control

Bostrichid (Horned) Powderpost Beetle

Bostrichidae (various species)

Appearance

Adult: brown, robust; head often tucked down (not easily seen from above)
Larger than Lyctus; exit holes typically 2–3 mm
Frass: granular to powdery
Can bore into both softwood and hardwood

Commonly found

Unfinished or untreated timberFlooring (softwood and hardwood)Bamboo and wickerStructural timber

Behaviour

Larger than Lyctus powderpost beetles; infest both softwood and hardwood. Larvae tunnel inside wood; adults emerge through round exit holes. Can be introduced with timber or bamboo products. Treatment follows similar principles: identify infested material, treat with injection or heat as appropriate.

Why you may be seeing them

New timber, bamboo furniture, or flooring with no finish; or older structural timber. Exit holes and frass in a range of wood types suggest bostrichid rather than Lyctus.

Often confused with

Lyctus powderpost (Lyctus smaller; mainly hardwood) · Common furniture beetle (similar exit holes; furniture beetle smaller)

When to get help

Larger exit holes or damage in both softwood and hardwood. Inspection confirms species; we recommend treatment for structural and movable items as needed.

Named for the family Bostrichidae. Several species occur in South Africa; identification to species is less critical than confirming wood borer and extent of damage.

Bostrichid (Horned) Powderpost Beetle pest guide Need wood borer treatment? See Wood Borer Control

Common signs by location

Where you find exit holes and frass — floors, furniture, or structural timber — points to the type and the right treatment.

Floorboards and joists
Small round exit holes and frass on or under boards. Tap for hollow sound. Early treatment prevents structural weakening.
Common furniture beetlePowderpost beetleBostrichid
Furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets)
Check corners, undersides, and joints for holes and frass. Antique or second-hand furniture is higher risk. Heat treatment is an option for movable items.
Common furniture beetlePowderpost beetle
Skirting and panelling
Exit holes along edges or on surface. Often goes with floor or structural infestation. Injection or surface treatment may be used.
Common furniture beetle
Roof timbers and beams
Structural timber; inspect from accessible areas. Injection treatment protects in place.
Common furniture beetle
Bamboo or wicker
Bamboo is favoured by some powderpost species. Check for holes and fine frass; treat or replace as needed.
Powderpost beetleBostrichid

Why wood borers keep coming back

Infested timber not fully treated — larvae inside wood can survive if treatment does not reach them.
New infested items brought in — second-hand furniture or timber can introduce beetles or larvae.
High moisture in wood — borers favour timber with higher moisture; fix leaks and improve ventilation.
Untreated or unfinished wood — unsealed timber is more susceptible; treat or seal where appropriate.
Adjacent timber still infested — beetles can emerge and lay eggs on other timber; treat all at-risk wood.
Re-infestation from same site — eggs laid in existing exit holes or cracks; follow-up treatment may be needed.

Common wood borer signs and behaviour

These patterns help you confirm wood borer damage and when to get an inspection or treatment.

Small round exit holes (1–3 mm)
Classic wood borer sign. Larvae tunnel inside; adults chew out and leave round holes. Frass may be visible nearby.
Fine powdery frass
Accumulates under or on timber. Powderpost = very fine, flour-like; furniture beetle = fine with possible pellets.
Hollow or weak wood
Tunnelling weakens timber. Tap to check for hollow sound; probe carefully if damage is suspected.
Adult beetles near windows
Adults are attracted to light and may appear in spring/summer. Short-lived; larvae cause the damage.
Mud tubes or soil-like material
Not wood borer — suggests termites. Get a termite inspection; treatment is different.
Damage in hardwood only
Lyctus powderpost prefers hardwood. Furniture beetle and bostrichid can be in softwood and hardwood.

When to get professional help

You see exit holes or frass in floorboards, furniture, or structural timber
Wood sounds hollow or is visibly weakened
You are unsure whether damage is from wood borer or termites
You have brought second-hand furniture or timber indoors and want an inspection
You need injection treatment for structural timber or heat treatment for furniture
You want a guarantee on treatment (e.g. 2-year on injection)

Call Get wood borer treatment

Ready to protect your timber?

Injection for structural timber (2-year guarantee); heat treatment for furniture. We inspect and recommend.

Get a quote Wood borer control

Wood Borer Identification Guide

Identify furniture beetle and powderpost beetle. Know exit holes, frass, and when to get wood borer treatment.

How to use this guide

Look at the damage — small round exit holes (1–3 mm) and fine powdery frass = wood borer; mud tubes or different frass = consider termites.

Note hole size — pin-head to 2–3 mm typical for furniture beetle; similar for powderpost; larger holes may be other beetles.

Check where — floorboards, furniture, beams, skirting; hardwood vs softwood can point to powderpost vs furniture beetle.

Look for adult beetles — small brown beetles near windows or on timber in spring/summer; larvae stay hidden inside wood.

Rule out termites — termites often build mud tubes, leave different frass, and damage can look different; get an inspection if unsure.

Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; early treatment prevents further damage.

Quick comparison

Beetle / pest	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Common furniture beetle	Brown; oval	Adult ~3–4 mm; exit holes ~1–2 mm	Furniture, floorboards, structural timber; softwood and hardwood	Round exit holes; fine frass; larvae tunnel 3–5 years
Powderpost beetle (Lyctus)	Reddish-brown; elongated	Adult ~4–7 mm; exit holes ~1–2 mm	Hardwoods (oak, ash, bamboo); furniture, flooring	Fine powder frass; wood reduced to flour-like dust
Bostrichid (horned) powderpost	Brown; robust; head often hidden	Larger than Lyctus; exit holes 2–3 mm	Softwood and hardwood; unfinished floors, bamboo	Larger holes; can infest both softwood and hardwood
Termite (not a wood borer)	Mud tubes; cream-coloured workers	Exit holes vary; often mud or soil present	Structural timber; ground contact; mud tubes on walls	Mud tubes; different frass; get termite inspection if suspected

Common Furniture Beetle

Anobium punctatum

Appearance

Adult: small brown beetle, ~3–4 mm long; oval, rounded shape
Exit holes: round, ~1–2 mm diameter
Frass: fine powdery dust; may include small pellets
Larvae: cream-coloured, curved; live inside wood, not usually seen

Commonly found

Furniture (especially older or antique)Floorboards and joistsSkirting boards and panellingStructural timber (beams, roof timbers)Softwood and hardwood

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Often called "woodworm". The beetle is the adult; the damaging stage is the larva inside the wood.

Common Furniture Beetle pest guide Need wood borer treatment? See Wood Borer Control

Common signs by location

Where you find exit holes and frass — floors, furniture, or structural timber — points to the type and the right treatment.

Floorboards and joists

Small round exit holes and frass on or under boards. Tap for hollow sound. Early treatment prevents structural weakening.

Common furniture beetlePowderpost beetleBostrichid

Furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets)

Check corners, undersides, and joints for holes and frass. Antique or second-hand furniture is higher risk. Heat treatment is an option for movable items.

Common furniture beetlePowderpost beetle

Skirting and panelling

Exit holes along edges or on surface. Often goes with floor or structural infestation. Injection or surface treatment may be used.

Common furniture beetle

Roof timbers and beams

Structural timber; inspect from accessible areas. Injection treatment protects in place.

Common furniture beetle

Bamboo or wicker

Bamboo is favoured by some powderpost species. Check for holes and fine frass; treat or replace as needed.

Powderpost beetleBostrichid

Why wood borers keep coming back

Infested timber not fully treated — larvae inside wood can survive if treatment does not reach them.

New infested items brought in — second-hand furniture or timber can introduce beetles or larvae.

High moisture in wood — borers favour timber with higher moisture; fix leaks and improve ventilation.

Untreated or unfinished wood — unsealed timber is more susceptible; treat or seal where appropriate.

Adjacent timber still infested — beetles can emerge and lay eggs on other timber; treat all at-risk wood.

Re-infestation from same site — eggs laid in existing exit holes or cracks; follow-up treatment may be needed.

Common wood borer signs and behaviour

These patterns help you confirm wood borer damage and when to get an inspection or treatment.

Small round exit holes (1–3 mm)

Classic wood borer sign. Larvae tunnel inside; adults chew out and leave round holes. Frass may be visible nearby.

Fine powdery frass

Accumulates under or on timber. Powderpost = very fine, flour-like; furniture beetle = fine with possible pellets.

Hollow or weak wood

Tunnelling weakens timber. Tap to check for hollow sound; probe carefully if damage is suspected.

Adult beetles near windows

Adults are attracted to light and may appear in spring/summer. Short-lived; larvae cause the damage.

Mud tubes or soil-like material

Not wood borer — suggests termites. Get a termite inspection; treatment is different.

Damage in hardwood only

Lyctus powderpost prefers hardwood. Furniture beetle and bostrichid can be in softwood and hardwood.

When to get professional help

You see exit holes or frass in floorboards, furniture, or structural timber

Wood sounds hollow or is visibly weakened

You are unsure whether damage is from wood borer or termites

You have brought second-hand furniture or timber indoors and want an inspection

You need injection treatment for structural timber or heat treatment for furniture

You want a guarantee on treatment (e.g. 2-year on injection)

Wood Borer Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

Floorboards and joists

Furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets)

Skirting and panelling

Roof timbers and beams

Bamboo or wicker

Why wood borers keep coming back

Common wood borer signs and behaviour

Small round exit holes (1–3 mm)

Fine powdery frass

Hollow or weak wood

Adult beetles near windows

Mud tubes or soil-like material

Damage in hardwood only

When to get professional help

Related pages

Ready to protect your timber?

Wood Borer Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

Floorboards and joists

Furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets)

Skirting and panelling

Roof timbers and beams

Bamboo or wicker

Why wood borers keep coming back

Common wood borer signs and behaviour

Small round exit holes (1–3 mm)

Fine powdery frass

Hollow or weak wood

Adult beetles near windows

Mud tubes or soil-like material

Damage in hardwood only

When to get professional help

Related pages

Ready to protect your timber?