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DEATHWATCH BEETLE - Xestobium Rufuvillosum

Timbers attacked

Sapwood and heartwood of hardwoods, usually oak, which have partly decayed. Softwoods are rarely attacked.

Damage

Extensive tunnelling especially towards centre of large dimensioned timber. Exit holes are round, 3mm diameter. Bore dust is bun-shaped and contains pellets visible to the naked eye. Damage often more extensive than expected from external appearance.

Life cycle (4+ years)

i. Adult: Emerge March - June; eggs laid 10-20 days after mating.
ii. Eggs: Laid in cracks and crevices; white, lemon shaped.
iii. Larva: Crawl prior to boring into wood; feed and grow for up to 12-14 years.
iv. Pupa: Develop below surface of wood in July - August.
Pre-emergent adults wait in pupa chamber until following year

Notes

Adult beetles can often be found on and beneath infested timbers during emergence period. Will fly but require high temperatures.

Quick Identification

Large bun-shaped pellets; attacks hardwoods.