Although there are other types of wood-boring beetles, lyctid beetles are considered "true" powderpost beetles. They are reddish-brown in color and range from 1/8 to ¼ inch in size. Unlike some other wood-infesting beetles, lyctid beetles have a clearly defined head.

Powderpost beetles attack only hardwoods such as oak, ash, hickory and walnut and are only active in wood with enough moisture and starch content. Damage is usually most severe to the sapwood. Powderpost beetles can infest woodwork, timbers, and manufactured materials such as tool handles and gunstocks.

The adult powderpost female lays eggs in the wood. When the eggs hatch the larvae tunnel down into the sapwood. As the larvae grow they tunnel toward the wood surface, change into adults, and then emerge leaving a round hole of approximately 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch. Usually as the adult emerges it pushes out powdery wood dust.

Since powderpost beetles inhabit wood with higher moisture content, widespread use of central air conditioning and heating has decreased the likelihood of damage from these insects. If you suspect that a site is infested, determine if the infestation is active by looking for adult beetles. You may also be able to determine activity by plugging existing exit holes and then checking for new holes in 6 months or so. Reducing moisture in crawl spaces, a common site of infestations, helps prevent or control powderpost beetles. Sealing the wood will help prevent the beetles from boring into the wood. If you locate an active infestation, treat with an insecticide labeled for use in controlling powderpost beetles.