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There are a number of borer species within Australia. Most of them are harmless but some attack construction timber, furniture and other types of wood.
Most borer species that occur naturally in Australia are pests of forest timber, that is, they infest green timber that is not dried or live trees. When the trees are cut down to be milled for timber these borers leave exit holes in the wood which can degrade the timber, but they do not reinfest the timber once it is dry.
Sometimes when people have a new timber fence erected they will notice small holes (particularly in hardwood fences) but they are most commonly do not affect the strength of the timber and do not reinfest causing further damage. Greenwood Longicorns, Jewel Beetles, Bark beetles, Auger beetles and pinhole borers fall into this category.
However, there are a number of borer species that do attack dry construction timber. One of the most destructive of these beetles is the Powderpost beetle which is so named because wood that is attacked by them is usually reduced to powder. This species only attacks the sapwood of hardwood trees and houses built in Queensland and New South Wales are protected by government legislation which prohibits the use of the sapwood of hardwood species for construction or furniture. Softwood timbers like radiata pine which is often used for construction purposes is immune to attack.
There are also introduced species of beetles that have occurred in this country. The Furniture beetle has found its way into Australia since the time of the early settlements. The species often attacked softwood timbers but can also attack some hardwoods including English oak and spotted gum. Attack by the furniture beetle is often only discovered when a heavy piece of furniture breaks through flooring panelling and furniture. Radiata pine that is generally older than 20 years can be attacked and in future infestations of this beetle may become more common as pine framed houses become older.
The Queensland Pine beetle causes similar damage to the Furniture but but is generally only found along the north coast of New South Wales and in Queensland. Replacement of damaged timber is often the best method of dealing with the problem as sprays may be unreliable.
The European house borer has also found its way in Australia during the last 70 years and although it is highly destructive is not commonly found. Treatment is usually by completely wrapping the building and plastic sheeting and fumigating with methyl bromide gas.
If you have any concerns about borer infestation of timber in or around your house please call All Care Pest Control on 07 5574 0269.
