The Old House Borer Beetle actually appears in newer homes, seeking
our seasoned softwood with a moisture content of between 10% and 20%.
In its larval stage, the Old House Borer Beetle feeds on this wood,
leaving holes that measure about 1/4 in wide. Larvae will feed on the
wood for from 2 to ten years before emerging as an adult.
Old House Borer Beetles are dark brown to black in color and measure
about 5/8 to 1 inch in length, with wing coverings that are typically
black with white markings. The adults will mate after leaving the wood
they fed on during their larval stage, and will live only about 10 to
15 more days.
The average life cycle for the Old House Borer ranges from 3 to 5 years,
but can be as long as 12 years, based on the environment and nutrition
conditions.
Halt Bugology Factoid
The rasping or clicking sounds of large larvae sometimes
can be heard from infested timbers, especially during Spring and Summer
months, when wood moisture is relatively high. (Factoid Source: Barbara
L. Thorne, Ph.D and Nancy L. Breisch, Ph.D, Department of Entomology,
University of Maryland)
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