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SWIFT PEST SOLUTIONS

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Borers & Timber Pest Control

Borers are timber-damaging insects that can cause serious structural and cosmetic damage to wood. The most destructive stage of their life cycle is the larval (grub) stage, where they tunnel through timber feeding internally and weakening it over time.

Because much of the damage occurs beneath the surface, borer infestations often go unnoticed until visible signs appear.

Borer Damage to Timber

How Borers Infest Timber

Adult borers emerge briefly from timber to mate, leaving behind small pin-sized exit holes. After mating, the female lays eggs deep within the pores of the timber.

  • Eggs are deposited into timber pores and cracks.
  • Larvae hatch and tunnel through the sapwood.
  • Larvae feed on starches and nutrients within the timber.
  • Adults emerge, leaving visible pin holes.

High moisture levels and poor ventilation can make timber more vulnerable by opening its pores.

Borer Exit Holes in Timber

Timbers Commonly Attacked by Borers

  • Old furniture and decorative timber features.
  • Flooring, bearers, joists, and roof timbers.
  • Well-seasoned softwoods such as Baltic pine and New Zealand white pine.
  • Some hardwoods, including blackwood and imported English oak.

Timber with insufficient starch or narrow pores may resist attack, but environmental conditions can change this over time.

Borer Damage in Furniture

Common Types of Borers in Victoria

  • Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) - Attacks furniture and structural timbers, prefers cool, humid conditions.
  • Targets older, seasoned softwoods and some hardwoods.
  • Lyctid Borer (Powder Post Borer) - Produces fine powdery dust similar to talcum powder.
  • Attacks sapwood of certain hardwoods.
  • Can cause severe structural weakening in timber with high sapwood content.

Correct identification is essential to selecting the most effective treatment.

Types of Timber Borers

Professional Borer Treatment by Swift Pest Solutions

Swift Pest Solutions provides professional borer pest control throughout Melbourne. Our treatments are designed to protect timber by targeting adult beetles as they emerge and preventing reinfestation.

Early treatment is critical to preserving the strength and longevity of timber structures.

Borer Pest Control Treatment

Borer Treatment Options & Prevention

  • Boric acid timber treatments applied to accessible timber surfaces.
  • Treatment of roof voids and subfloor areas.
  • Kills adult beetles before they can mate and reinfest timber.
  • Improves long-term timber protection.
  • Advice on moisture control and ventilation.

For expert borer pest control in Melbourne, contact Swift Pest Solutions to discuss treatment options and protect your timber investment.

Borer Prevention Treatment