BORER EXTERMINATION
Eliminate Borer
Borer is a beetle that can potentially destroy parts of or the structure of your building. There are different types of wood eating beetle including the longihorn beetle and long toothed borer, but the furniture borer beetle is the most common. Borer beetles are on the wing typically in January through to March.
Wood boring beetles most often attack dying or dead trees. In forest settings, they are important in the turnover of trees by culling weak trees, thus allowing new growth to occur. They are also important as primary decomposers of trees within forest systems, allowing for the recycling of nutrients locked away in the relatively decay-resilient woody material of trees. To develop and reach maturity woodboring beetles need nutrients provided by fungi from outside of the inhabited wood. These nutrients are not only assimilated into the beetles' bodies but also are concentrated in their frass, contributing to soil nutrients cycles. Though the vast majority of woodboring beetles are ecologically important and economically benign, some species can become economic pests by attacking relatively healthy trees (e.g. longhorn beetle, borer) or by infesting downed trees in lumber yards. Species such as the longhorn beetle and the borer are examples of invasive species that threaten natural forest ecosystems.
Borer Invasion and control
Wood boring beetles are commonly detected a few years after new construction. The lumber supply may have contained wood infected with beetle eggs or larvae, and since beetle life cycles can be one or more years, several years may pass before the presence of beetles becomes noticeable. In many cases, the beetles will be of a type that only attacks living wood, and thus incapable of "infesting" any other pieces of wood, or doing any further damage.
Genuine infestations are far more likely in areas with high humidity, such as poorly ventilated crawl spaces. Some beetles invade wood used in construction and furniture making; others limit their activity to forests or roots of living trees.
Understanding the Life Cycle of Borer Insects
The journey of a borer insect begins when the adult female lays up to 100 eggs. These are typically deposited on exposed timber or within existing flight holes. The eggs incubate for approximately 4 to 5 weeks before hatching.
Larval Stage
Upon hatching, the larvae embark on a mission through the wood. They tunnel and feed, utilizing yeasts in their stomachs to digest cellulose in the timber. This phase is the longest, stretching from 3 to 5 years.
During this time, the larvae remain concealed within the wood, slowly growing and developing.
Pupation and Emergence
As the larvae reach maturity, they construct a pupation chamber close to the wood's surface. This marks the next stage. After residing in this chamber for 4 to 8 weeks, they undergo transformation into adult borers.
Emergence involves the adult boring its way out, leaving telltale 'flight holes' as evidence of its passage.
Adult Phase
Once free, the adult borers become airborne. This occurs predominantly between January to March, a span of roughly one month. During this time, they mate, ensuring the continuation of their species. Following mating, the cycle recommences with the laying of the next generation's eggs.
This perpetual sequence of life stages—from egg to adult—highlights the intricate yet extraordinary existence of borer insects.
Different types of Borer
To differentiate the flight holes created by various borer species, pay close attention to their size and shape:
- Common House Borer: These borers create small, circular holes about 2mm in diameter. Their tiny, round appearance is often a telltale sign.
- Native House Borer: Slightly larger than the common variety, these borers leave behind holes ranging from 3mm to 4mm. Their circular shape is consistent with many borer types, making size an important indicator.
- Two-Toothed Longhorn Borer: Known for producing distinctly larger holes, these are oval in shape and can be as large as 7mm in diameter. Their unique oval form is a key characteristic distinguishing them from other borer species.
By examining the size and shape of the holes, you can effectively identify the specific borer species responsible for the damage.
HOW DO I KNOW MY BORER IS ACTIVE?
You need to look for the Borer pin holes. When borer larvae is active Frass comes out of their pin holes. What is Frass? Frass is the faeces of the Borer maggot. At first sight it looks like fine saw dust with a distinct colour of yellow/orange. It has a gritty texture when rubbed between your fingers.
Look for
- small piles of frass
- frass coming out and down from borer holes
- frass covering your possessions in the affected area
- in extreme cases damage to structure of the wood.
BORER TREATMENTS IS MY BUILDING/HOUSE SUITABLE FOR A TREATMENT?
We provide treatments for naked wood in sub floor areas and attic spaces.
before a treatment you will need to do the following,
- Insulation removed, by an insulation company at your cost. Have this stored away from the timber to be treated.
- Naked wood. The wood to treated needs to be free of paint and varnish. This is done by you or your tradesman at your cost.
- Access. A technician needs to be able to get access to the areas to be treated. Please ensure that area to be worked in is free of hazards such as broken glass or low hanging electrical wires.
How does Pest Bor work as Borer Treatment?
Pest-Bor provides a robust solution for protecting timber from wood-destroying pests like borers. These treatments utilize a unique formulation based on borate powders, which are highly effective as wood preservatives, insecticides, and fungicides.
How They Work:
- Diffusion into Wood:
- Once applied, the water-soluble borate powder penetrates the timber, ensuring thorough protection. This process allows the active ingredients to diffuse deep into the wood fibers, making the entire structure both resilient and resistant to pests.
- Effective Action:
- Borate compounds act decisively by targeting and eliminating borer insects. As borers attempt to exit the wood, they come into contact with the borate-treated surfaces, which interrupts their life cycle and prevents them from re-infesting the timber.
- Long-lasting Protection:
- Unlike many organic treatments that degrade over time, these borate products maintain their efficacy for a decade or even longer under normal conditions. This long-term protection is due to the stable nature of sodium borate, the primary component.
- Natural and Safe:
- Derived from nearly pure boron mined in crystalline form, these treatments are almost odorless and are not associated with pest resistance. This makes them an environmentally friendly option while ensuring a high level of performance.
By integrating Pest Bor into timber treatment regimes, you can achieve durable and effective protection against borer infestations, safeguarding your wood structures for years to come.
What Qualifications Should Specialists Have for Handling Borer Treatments?
When it comes to managing borer infestations, specialists need to be equipped with the right qualifications to ensure effective and safe treatment. Here are the key qualifications and credentials these professionals should possess:
- Qualified Urban Pest Managers: Specialists should be qualified with a Certificate in Urban Pest Management. This certification shows they have been trained and authorized to handle pest control chemicals and procedures safely, in compliance with regulations set by safety authorities like the Environmental risk management authority (ERMA) in New Zealand, or the equivalent in other regions. ACES pest control is qualified in Protrain's Urban pest managers certificate (2018) and also Protrain Post Graduate certificate in Timber pests (2109). Additionally has Degree in Entomology from Victoria University (1990) Wellington.
- Extensive Knowledge of Borer Treatment Procedures: This includes familiarity with various treatment techniques and an understanding of how to apply them effectively. Knowledge of the latest industry practices and innovations is crucial for successful pest management. ACES has been successfully treating Borer since 2009. 15 years on the Pest Bor treatments are still working and customers are Borer free.
- Ongoing Training: Pest control specialists should participate in continuous professional development. This ensures they stay updated with the evolving pest control technologies and methodologies. ACES attends the NPMA conferences on pest management.
- Experience and Expertise: Practical experience in dealing with borer infestations is essential. Experienced specialists are more likely to identify and treat infestations efficiently and with minimal disruption to your environment.
These qualifications ensure that specialists are not just certified, but also competent in providing comprehensive and effective borer treatment solutions.
Characteristics of New Zealand Native Termites
New Zealand native termites are unique insects that predominantly dwell in wood. These termites form colonies and gradually excavate the interior of wooden structures. As they consume the wood, they leave only a thin, fragile layer on the outside, making detection difficult. New Zealand lacks the subterranean termites found in Australia and the USA. Subterranean termites are a destructive force and can quickly destroy entire houses without the home owner knowing until the home starts to fall down. This as they can consume dry timber and work beneath the layer of paint unseen. Luckily, New Zealand native termites are not this destructive and need damp or wet rotting wood to thrive. An example is old tree stump may become infested with Termites. Native New Zealand Termites can not damage the dry wood found in New Zealand houses.
Identifying Features:
- Expelled Pellets: One of the key signs of an infestation is the presence of small, hard, oval pellets. These are actually digested wood remains expelled by the termites.
- Surface Appearance: Look for wood that appears wrinkled or altered from its natural state. This can indicate termite activity beneath the surface.
- Worker and Solider Termites: Worker termites are all white and sometimes called white ants. Solider termites are slightly larger and have distinguishing features which allow you tell the species of the termite colony. The are both blind.
- Flying insects looking like large ants. These are Alates or reproductive males and females from Termites colonies and sometimes swarm on mass.
Potential Damage:
If you see termites its best to seek to seek professional advice if only for peace of mind.
By understanding these characteristics, homeowners and property managers can take proactive steps to prevent termites become a risk to their homes and businesses.
Video for FAQs on Borer
FAQS BORER
BORER frequently asked questions
Q: BORER: WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED FOR A BORER TREATMENT?
A: All insulation needs to be removed. All timber needs to be bare (free of paint and varnish). Under the house needs to clear for access to do the treatment. Please clear up hazards e.g. broken glass from under the house.
Q: BORER: HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL BORER JOB TAKE?
A: Depending on the size of the house and areas treated 1-2 days
Q: BORER: I HAVE SOME FURNITURE WITH BORER HOLES IN IT. CAN YOU TREAT THIS?
A: Sorry we don't offer a service for the treatment of Borer in furniture.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
"As a Barfoot and Thompson Property Assistant, I've used Aces on multiple occasions, every time providing work of a fantastic standard. Aces are very knowledgeable, always give an honest opinion and reasonably priced. I completely recommended Aces and their services."
- Thomas, Barfoot and Thompson
