DEATH-WATCH BEETLES
EXTERMINATOR

The death-watch beetle, also known as anobium punctatum, is a small pest that can cause significant damage to the wood in your home. Here are some signs that might indicate wood borers:

1. Holes in the wood: This is the most obvious sign of beetles. The holes are usually round and about 1 to 2 mm in diameter.
2. Wood dust: Beetles leave behind fine wood dust, also known as wormwood when the larvae burrow into the wood. This dust can often be found under infested wood or around holes.
3. Nibbling noise: You may sometimes hear a nibbling or clicking sound coming from infested wood. This is the sound the larvae make when they eat the wood.
4. Wood Damage: Over time, beetle infestations can weaken the structure of wood, which can cause visible damage such as cracks or warping.
5. Presence of adult beetles: Adult beetles are flying insects and therefore can be seen flying around the house, especially in summer. However, they are quite small and can go unnoticed.

If you observe one or more of these signs, it is recommended that you call a exterminator professional to confirm the presence of wood borers and help you treat the infestation.

The life cycle of the death-watch beetles, or anobium punctatum, also known as wood borers, is quite simple and is divided into four main stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult.

1. Egg: Female death-watch beetles lay their eggs in cracks and crevices in wood. The eggs are very small and can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
2. Larva: Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to feed on the wood in which they are found. It is at this stage that they cause damage to the wood. Larvae can remain in this phase for several years, sometimes up to five years, depending on environmental conditions.
3. Pupa: After their larval phase, the death-watch beetles enter the pupation phase, during which they will transform into adults. This phase takes place inside the wood.
4. Adult: Once metamorphosis is complete, the adult death-watch beetles emerge from the wood usually in spring or summer. They leave a distinctive round hole in the wood when they emerge. Adults usually live for a few weeks while they reproduce and lay new eggs.

It is important to note that the entire life cycle of death-watch beetles can take place inside the wood, which can make their detection and control difficult. The presence of small round holes in the wood and fine sawdust may indicate an infestation of death-watch beetles.

Getting rid of death-watch beetles, commonly known as wood borers, can be a challenge, but there are several methods to control and eliminate these pests.

1. Chemical treatment: One of the most effective ways to get rid of death-watch beetles is to use chemicals. This may include the application of insecticides to infested areas. However, due to the potentially dangerous nature of these products, they must be handled with care and ideally by a professional.
2. Heat treatment: Another option is to use heat treatment. This involves raising the temperature of infested wood to a level that kills the larvae and adults. This method is particularly effective for furniture and other small to medium-sized items.
3. Pheromone traps: Pheromone traps attract adult anobiids by mimicking the pheromones they release to attract mates. Once the insects enter the trap, they can’t get out and eventually die.
4. Prevention: To avoid an infestation of death-watch beetles, make sure to control the humidity in your home, as these insects are attracted to damp wood. Also, make sure that any wood used in the construction of your home is properly treated to resist infestation.
5. Pest Control Professionals: If you suspect an infestation of anobias, it may be best to call a exterminator professional. They have the experience and knowledge to effectively treat the problem and can also provide advice on preventing future infestations.

Remember, each infestation situation is unique and may require a combination of these methods to achieve effective death-watch beetles control.

Prevention is often the best way to manage woodworm infestations. Here are some steps you can take to avoid wood beetle infestations:

1. Drying of wood: Beetles prefer damp wood. So make sure that any wood in your home is well-dried and does not remain wet for an extended period of time.
2. Proper ventilation: Good airflow can help prevent moisture and make the environment less inviting to beetles.
3. Wood treatment: There are various wood treatments that can make wood less attractive to beetles, such as paints, varnishes or insecticide treatments.
4. Regular inspection: Check your home regularly, especially areas where wood is present, for signs of woodworm. This includes checking for holes in the wood or wood dust.
5. Furniture care: For antique furniture or other wooden objects, regular application of oil or wax can help protect them.
6. Temperature Control: Grubs prefer warm environments, so maintaining a cooler temperature in your home can help deter their activity.

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of a beetle infestation in your home. If you suspect an infestation, it is recommended that you call a professional to assess the situation and propose appropriate solutions.

Wood beetles are attracted to a number of factors. Here are the most important ones:

1. Wood: It is their main source of food. Beetles are attracted to all types of wood, whether it is construction wood, furniture, beams, etc.
2. Moisture: Wood borers are generally attracted to moist environments. Wet wood is easier for these insects to eat and also provides a favourable environment for them to reproduce.
3. Heat: Wood borers generally prefer warm environments, which is why they are often found in attics or loft spaces where it is generally warmer.
4. Darkness: These insects are generally nocturnal and prefer dark and isolated environments.
5. Untreated wood: Beetles are particularly attracted to untreated or unpainted wood because it is easier for them to eat and lay their eggs.

To minimize the risk of beetle infestation, it is important to manage these factors as much as possible, such as controlling moisture, treating the wood and regularly inspecting areas that are susceptible to infestation.