Houses are just like people—before a major problem occurs, there are always small warning signs. If these signs are noticed and addressed promptly, there's a good chance to minimize the damage. On the other hand, neglecting the problem can lead to serious consequences.
Recently, a netizen in Anhui Province, China, shared a strange discovery on the social media platform Xiaohongshu: a mysterious pile of sand had suddenly appeared by the wall inside their home. At first, they thought it was just some dried leaves and tried to pick it up, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a pile of fine, soft sand—raising fears it might be some kind of insect infestation.
Many online users reacted with concern: "Good news—the baseboard is solid wood; bad news—termites have already penetrated it." Others commented, "The termites must be very well fed." However, a passing pest control expert disagreed: "This isn't termites. It looks like there are insect eggs inside the wood, which will hatch and start chewing the wood."
Another victim shared their experience: "I have the same problem at home. It's powderpost beetles, and at night you can even hear them eating the wood." Powderpost beetles are actually quite common. According to the Forestry Research Institute, these insects can damage trees and wood products. In Taiwan alone, there are over 180 species of small and longhorn powderpost beetles.
Powderpost beetles are a common household pest that prefer dry wood, bamboo, or rattan products. When the infestation is severe, the interior of the wood can be completely turned into powdery dust, crumbling at the slightest touch and impossible to restore.
How to Identify Whether Your Wood Is Infested by Powderpost Beetles or Termites
Experts from the Agricultural Knowledge Portal explain how to tell the difference: "Check for tiny holes and wood dust residue on the surface of the wood. Their presence indicates an infestation by wood-boring insects."
These beetles are about 2 to 3 millimeters long, with a dark reddish-brown color and an armored appearance. The larvae chew through the wood, which can seriously compromise the structure. When the beetles mature, they emerge from round exit holes to mate. After mating, the female flies to other wood materials to lay eggs and continue the infestation cycle.
What Can You Do to Control the Infestation?
One method is to inject insecticide into the holes using a syringe and then seal them. However, if you are inexperienced or the affected area is large, it's best to call a professional pest control company to handle the problem effectively.
Remember, early detection and timely treatment can save your home from costly damage. Keep an eye out for those small warning signs—your house will thank you!
