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• Deathwatch Beetle

Cimex lectularius

Anobiid beetles are found throughout much of the United States. They are considered a structurally damaging insect. One species of Anobiid beetle commonly found is the Deathwatch beetle.

Deathwatch beetles range from1/8-1/4 inch in size. Color can range from reddish brown to nearly black. An adult anobiid beetle is smaller than a grain of rice. Females lay approximately 50 eggs in their lifetime, 3 to 4 at a time. Eggs are generally laid in pores, cracks or holes in the wood. Deathwatch beetle larvae (white in color) are about 1/4 to 3/8" long and bore into the wood and consume it as they develop (approximately 5-7 years). As the larvae develop into the pupate stage and then into adulthood, they chew round exit holes into the wood. These holes are typically 1/16th to 1/8th inch in diameter and resemble "shot holes". After emerging in the spring, they will mate and die within a few weeks of emerging. This insect has an unusual habit of tapping its head on a wood surface as a means of communication with a potential mate. They generally prefer wood in cool locations with moisture levels above 18 percent and have a preference for softwoods rather than hardwoods. While females do have the ability to fly, they will most likely return to the original wood from which they emerged in order to lay their eggs.

The presence of dry, loose fecal matter that falls from the exit hole of the feeding channel when opened can be an indication of infestation. This material consists of small pellets, which gives it an overall 'grainy' feel to it as opposed to a powdery texture. Another indication of infestation would be the small 'shot holes' in beams, posts and joists of the crawlspace. If an infestation remains un-addressed, these holes can make their way into the wall studs and sub-floor, continuing to damage wood.

Important preventative measures include:

1. Begin with clean, un-infested wood. Because these beetles return to the same area they emerged from, if the initial wood for the structure has 'built in insects', control can be difficult.
2. Correct any moisture and/or ventilation issues under and around the structure.

If an infestation is determined, removal and replacement of the infested wood (where practical) is highly recommended. If the damaged, infested wood is allowed to remain, beetles that have emerged from that area previously will return to lay eggs. While these measures may help, control of these beetles can be difficult and a call to Long Pest Control can develop an Integrated Pest Control program to eliminate the infestation and provide an environment free of unwanted pests year round.