Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

DONATE TODAY

  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Steering Committee
    • What We Do
  • Invasive Plants
    • No Grow! plants
    • Backyard Pests
    • Plant Control
  • Invasive Pests
    • Insects
    • Animal Pests
    • Diseases
  • Community Programs
    • Albizia Program
    • Little Fire Ant Community Support Program
    • Education
  • Blog

Horned Powder Post Beetle

Horned Powder Post Beetle

This beetle has been found in North Kona

A tiny, wood-boring beetle has been causing problems for residents in North Kona. Xylobiops parilis Lesne, or horned powder post beetle, bore into untreated wood, which can include furniture, cabinets, and other wood products – similar to termites, but larger! Larvae burrow into the wood, making lots of little tunnels. While they chew, the larvae are kicking out fine sawdust, or frass. When the adult emerges, they leave behind pinholes in the wood surface, which can reduce the attractiveness of the item. The time it takes this beetle to go from egg to adult varies – sometimes it can be more than a year before the adults emerge! This allows the beetle to go undetected in wood for a long time before any signs of infestation appears.

This beetle was first detected on the Big Island in Kona in 2020. It was found at an illegal green waste dump site, emerging from cut mango branches. In 2022, Kona residents began to notice beetle damage to their cabinets. The beetle is now very likely established in the environment. They prefer to stay outdoors, and it is uncommon for them to attack cabinets and other furniture, but it can happen. In nature, these insects serve the purpose of breaking down wood, and go after stressed or dying trees. There are also other species of powder post beetles that are established in Hawaii.

It is estimated that one insect species per day is accidentally introduced to Hawai’i. Of these, at least 17 species will naturalize (that is, they survive, make offspring, and become established). We generally do not know what these species are, or if they will be invasive, until they begin to cause noticeable harm. This is one of the reasons it is so critical that Hawai’i improve its biosecurity and work to prevent new species from arriving.

powder post beetle damage, frass
Photo by: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Xylobiops parilis Lesne. horned powder post beetle
Photo by: Hanna Royals, Museum Collections: Coleoptera, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

Xylobiops parilis Lesne and damage

What to look for:

  • Small round holes in wood
  • Fine power/sawdust
  • Adults flying around at night

Description:

  • Small pillshaped- about 4 mm long
  • Dark brown
  • Head tucked under pronotum
  • *looks very similar to other powder post beetles and ambrosia beetles*

What Can You Do?

  • Properly dispose of green waste. Many pests and diseases – including rapid ohi’a death and little fire ants – can be spread through the improper disposal of green waste. Don’t contribute to the problem!
  • Be on the look out for evidence of boring beetle damage if you have untreated wood products in your home. Contact a licensed pest control operator to help get rid of infestations.
  • Paint or varnish your wood furniture and cabinets. For building, use varnished, treated, or kiln dried wood.

Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-3340

  

biisc@hawaii.edu

Sign Up to Receive Updates

Sign Up!

PCSU logo

Copyright © 2023 Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) · Sitemap · Designed by Websites with Aloha · Log in