Timber Borers
Trees are not prone to timber borers because they have their defensive mechanism, but after tree-felling, the dead trunks or stored timbers are vulnerable to boring insects. Even furniture carved from timber will also be greatly attractive to the diverse classes of pests. In the 21st century, furniture manufacturers do not use Australian hardwoods, which is most resilient to timber borers. The climate of Queensland is highly favorable for timber borers and home owners are pestered by their speedy multiplication.
Classification of Timber Borers
Some of the devastating species include pinhole borers, ambrosia borers, anobium borers, greenwood longicorns, weevils, jewel beetles and auger beetles. Broadly speaking they are grouped as: –
- Borers found in living trees or freshly felled timber
- Borers in moist left-over timbers
- Borers which attack timber flooring, furniture, structural and decorative timbers
For example, the common anobium borer can severely damage Baltic pine timber furniture and flooring.
How to Identify Any Presence of Timber Borers
You may first notice small exit holes and accompanying dust emitted from the exit holes in the timber. The dust accumulation will gradually increase as the pests cause more havoc. Where exactly should you look for them? You can find them in structural timber and finishing timber.
Borer in structural timber: Structural timber such as rafters and floor joists are warm and moist shelters for timber borers. If traces are found, then immediate replacement is suggested.
Borer in finishing timber: As the borer holes inside finishing timbers are principally caused by the common house borer, major damage is unlikely. If the outside appearance is important to you, then you may get them replaced.
How We Can Help You Detect Timber Borers
Each of the inspectors working with Inspex are specialized in extensive building inspections. Our experts are certified in timber pest inspections so that you do not have to live with the fear of returning pest issues. Scientific methods, such as thermal mapping, are used for this purpose. Once you know the degree and extent of pest attacks that your building is in, or can be affected with, you can plan the remedies or precautions respectively. You just need to follow the guidelines suggested by our building inspectors in their reports. We have conducted thousands of inspections across Brisbane and Gold Coast with our special methods of timber pest detection.