I’ve got powder post beetles in my hardwood floor. Do I pull the
floor and scrap it or what. Anybody have any Experiences with
these guys? The floor has been down for 3 and a half years.
Also, who do you suppose is responsible for the cost of such an
issue. Thanks
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I would call a pro exterminator - yesterday, if not sooner.
As to who is responsible for cost - I suspect the HO (you). Or are you attempting to claim the beetles came in with the flooring - 3-1/2 years ago??
I suspect the beetles would have made themselves known long before now if they came with the flooring. The exterminator will know beetle gestation times, eating habits, etc., I might be wrong on this.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Edit: Possible financial help 1) HO insurance? 2) Your pest control company if you have a service contract?
Edited 7/13/2007 9:32 pm ET by JTC1
Have you taken some of the little buggers to ou extension service for identification? Because there are several types of beetles that munch wood besides the more common PPB. From my experience with sawing up logs I've found that for the most part PPB need wood above 12% MC. Without the moisture they just kind of go away and look for something else a little more moist. Getting rid of them in your floor would probably involve baking your house to 130 degree or so for a day or two. As far as I can remember fumigating probably won't work as the bugs are munching away inside the wood. It'd probably be easier to rip the floor out and replace it if the infestation is severe enough that it won't run it's course anytime soon.
I agree with Ted.
And I can't imagine that your flooring was kiln dried and stayed dry up to the date of installation to accomodate an infestation of PPB's.
Usually, if not kiln dried, the finishes (oil based in my experience) will exterminate the problem.
What is the history of your flooring material?
I've purchased oak and a few other hardwood species (for other-than-flooring projects) that had been air dried, but were decimated by PPb's.
All the flooring I've put down over the years, with a broad array of species, has been kiln dried and nary a bug.
if it the one that makes little mounds of fine dust, and you never see them,this is what the exterminator told me:
he didn't want to spray or anything, but told me to seal all the wood all sides with either paint or varnish, anything
they come out to mate, but won't go back in if the wood is coated
the eggs can be dormant for up to 10 years