FUMAPEST Advice on Pest Control of Timber Borers |
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Learn about timber borers and professional pest control methods |
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Timber borers can be real pests .... |
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A variety of borers will attack a range of timbers, such as (1) borers found in living trees or freshly felled timber (2) in moist timbers, and (3) borers which attack dry seasoned wood, such as, timber flooring, structural and decorative timbers, and furniture, whereby steadily increasing intensity of infestation may occur.
Borers are a major pest species of certain expensive timbers in a building. For example, the common Anobium borer can severely damage Baltic pine timber flooring and furniture.
LIFE-CYCLE: An adult female borer beetle will lay her eggs within susceptible timbers. The eggs hatch into a grub (larvae), which will feed on the starch content of the timber. The borer larvae will readily eat along the timber grain, creating a network of tunnels.
When the larvae is fully-grown, it will pupate sometimes over a long period of time to become an adult beetle, which exits the timber through a hole made in the timber surface. The emerging female adult will lay her eggs, and the life-cycle goes on intensifying the infestation and damage.
IDENTIFICATION: The size of the exit holes and texture of the dust (frass) emitted, will enable a pest control expert to identify the species of timber borer and therefore it's potential to cause damage to susceptible timbers. |
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Anobium borers attack Furniture or Baltic Pine Flooring |
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![Anobium Punctatun Lava](images/anobiumpunctatumlava.gif) |
![Anobium Punctatum](images/anobiumpunctatum1.gif) |
Anobium borers, also called Furniture Beetles or scientifically Anobium punctatum, can cause severe damage to Baltic pine timber flooring, particularly in older houses with damp flooring timbers caused by poor subfloor ventilation or moisture control.
Anobium borers are also often found in antique and other furniture of various timber types, sometimes years after the furniture has been acquired. You may first notice the small exit holes and accompanying dust emitted from the exit holes in the timber. |
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Pest Control: Anobium borers in Baltic Pine Flooring |
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(1) in severe cases, the removal and replacement of all damaged and infested timber with highly resistant or chemically treated timbers or particle board, which can be a very expensive undertaking. Improvements in subfloor ventilation may also be recommended.
(2) in slight or moderate infestations, the application of a registered insecticide to the underside of the flooring on an annual basis over a three year period to cover the life cycle of the Anobium borer.
We recommend the use of Permethrin insecticide due to its low toxicity profile and it's ability to penetrate into the timber grain. Permethrin is a based on the natural of the pyrethrum plant.
The Permethrin insecticide application will kill the adult beetle as it emerges from inside the timber, provided the beetle has contact with the treated surface. We recommend you contact a professional who has the equipment and technology to solve the problem. |
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Pest Control: Anobium borers in Baltic Pine Furniture |
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It is essential that such furniture be fumigated in a special fumigation chamber. The fumigation gas used will penetrate the timber and kill all insect life therein. Most furniture and foodstuffs for import/export into/out of the country are fumigated in this way.
The cost of such fumigation is fairly inexpensive provided a fumigation chamber is near you, as the delivery costs are separate and usually paid for and organized by the furniture owner.
Borers holes found in living trees, fresh logs, moist timbers (not in a building) can be injected with an insecticide specifically registered for this purpose. Such products are available at the larger stores or garden product shops. |
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Lyctus borers - susceptible Hardwood Timbers |
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![Lyctus Borer Lava](images/lyctusbrunneuslava.gif) |
![Lyctus Brunneus Borer](images/lyctusbrunneus.gif) |
Various State Governments have enacted a Timber Marketing Act, which prohibits timber being sold for use in buildings if it has more than 25% as sapwood content.
It is the sapwood portion of felled timber (logs) that is susceptible to attack and damage by the Lyctus borer, also called Powder Post Beetle or Lyctus brunneus.
Therefore, any damage from this borer to such timbers will be structurally insignificant. However, if the timber you purchased has Lyctus Borer damage it should be returned to the place of purchase and exchanged. |
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WARNING: The NSW Govt EPA Pest Control Licensing is INADEQUATE |
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Be Careful in selecting a Pest Controller • Unfortunately - it is far too easy to get a NSW Govt EPA issued pest control licence and start up a Pest Control business in NSW with little experience in providing safe and effective pest control services • click here for more details.
The NSW Pest Control Licensing system is subject to National Competency Assessment guidelines. Mediocre testing can
be carried by Private Workplace Assessors (not part of TAFE system). The
so called competency assessment can be a combination of oral, written and visual
tests.
Private Workplace Assessors are given
general guidelines in the National Competency Standards but there is no
set standard test or specific knowledge requirements. Once privately
assessed as "competent" then the NSW Govt EPA Pest Control Licensing will issue a pest control licence to the individual. There is no published list of
Private Workplace Assessors..
The System is Inadequate: Some Private Assessors offer a one week course. A person so issued with a pest control licence can set up a Pest Control business (not required to register with EPA Licensing Authority and employ many trainees, using pesticides in people's homes without direct personal supervision.
FUMAPEST Setting the Standard in an industry plagued by fly-by-night operators, FUMAPEST Termite & Pest Control stands out as a well established pest control business with excellent reputation in the market-place.
Same Family Business • Since 1964 • Termite & Pest Control Specialists. |
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FUMAPEST Termite & Pest Control ... services we offer |
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Termites are highly effective timber destroyers. Your home could have termites without you knowing it. Wht makes matters worse, home insurance does not cover the damage, which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars. RECOMMENDATION: Obtain a termite inspection documented report to assess the risk of infestation and cost of preventative measures. |
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FUMAPEST Termite & Pest Control services the MOSMAN Council Region |
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