Figure 2 is a hackberry psyllid. This insect causes galls on hackberry leaves. They often congregate in large numbers around homes (and especially windows) in the fall. Psyllids have piercing-sucking mouthparts and are not capable of causing this kind of damage. Figure 4 is a flour beetle. This is a pest of many stored foods, and while it has chewing mouthparts, it is not capable of chewing wood. Figure 3 is a powderpost beetle (family Lyctidae). Powderpost beetles infest wood and are the cause of the damage shown here.

Most infestations of powderpost beetles begin with the importation of an infested item. Almost any large-pored natural wood product can be a source. Examples include mahogany picture frames, holiday wreathes made out of grapevines, newly installed hardwood flooring, old furniture pieces, and firewood. Powderpost beetles infest wood only when it is dry. In nature, they infest long-dead trunks, branches, and vines, while in commercial settings, they primarily infest wood products stored in warehouses for long periods of time.

Powderpost beetles are very specific about where they feed and lay eggs. They need dry, large-pored wood from deciduous trees to survive and reproduce. Therefore, houseplants are not in danger, nor are any structural components of the house made out of spruce, pine or fir. Additionally, powderpost beetles will not lay eggs on wood that is finished (with paint, varnish, etc.) or that is very old.

First, remove all infested material. Look very carefully at other infestable items that are nearby, like the antique oak table, other picture frames, hardwood flooring, and hardwood trims strips (e.g., baseboards and window trim). Re-examine the area regularly, looking for emergence holes and boring dust (as in Figure 1). If more powder or new holes are noticed, the infestation is active. The best course is to remove and replace infested material, though other methods using heat, cold, or chemical treatments (from a certified applicator) can work well.