Termites vs. Powderpost Beetles

Exit holes, frass, and damage patterns compared.

TL;DR: Beetles leave small round exit holes and fine powder. Termites leave irregular galleries with mud lining and pellet-like frass. Different damage patterns. — Early warning signs or call (833) 404-3632.

5 Key Differences

Exit holes: Beetles leave small round holes (1/16 inch diameter). Termites leave irregular galleries, not round holes.
Frass (droppings): Beetle frass is fine powder that piles up. Termite frass is pellet-like and uniform in size.
Galleries: Beetle galleries are narrow tunnels. Termite galleries are larger and lined with mud.
Wood type preference: Beetles prefer hardwoods and finished wood. Termites prefer softwoods and untreated wood.
Damage rate: Beetle damage is slower. Termite damage accumulates faster due to larger colonies.

Detailed Comparison

Feature Termites Powderpost Beetles
Exit holes Irregular galleries, no round holes Small round holes (1/16 inch)
Frass Pellet-like, uniform size Fine powder, accumulates in piles
Galleries Large galleries with mud lining Narrow tunnels, no mud lining
Wood preference Softwoods, untreated wood Hardwoods, finished wood
Mud tubes Present on foundation/walls Absent
Damage pattern Hollow galleries, wood weakened Narrow tunnels, surface damage
Activity duration Permanent colonies, year-round Cyclical, emerges seasonally
Visible insects Hidden in mud tubes or wood Small beetles may be visible

Visual Identification Tips

Exit Holes (Most Reliable)

Powderpost beetles: Small round holes, very uniform in size (1/16 inch). Multiple holes clustered together. Fresh holes have sharp edges.

Termites: Irregular galleries, not round holes. Mud tubes on foundation or walls. No small round exit holes.

Frass (Droppings)

Powderpost beetles: Fine powder, like talc or flour. Accumulates in small piles near exit holes. Visible and easy to spot.

Termites: Pellet-like droppings, uniform size and shape. Often found in mud tubes or near galleries. Less obvious than beetle powder.

Damage Pattern

Powderpost beetles: Surface damage with small holes. Galleries are narrow and don't penetrate deeply. Wood may appear pitted.

Termites: Deep galleries that hollow out wood. Mud lining visible in galleries. Wood structurally weakened but may appear intact externally.

Common Questions

Are powderpost beetles less serious than termites?

Generally yes, but repeated infestations can cause significant damage. Beetles tunnel but don't consume wood like termites. However, both require professional treatment.

How do I know if powderpost beetles are still active?

Look for fresh frass (fine powder) near exit holes. Fresh holes have sharp edges. If you see new powder regularly, infestation is active. Professional inspection confirms activity.

What wood do powderpost beetles prefer?

Hardwoods like oak, ash, and hickory. Also attack finished wood and wood products. Softwoods are less attractive to beetles but preferred by termites.

Can powderpost beetles infest treated wood?

Treated wood is less attractive but not immune. Beetles can infest finished or painted wood. Termites avoid treated wood. This is another way to tell them apart.

Next Steps

If you've identified potential beetle or termite damage, consider these actions: