A tool such as an awl can be helpful in determining the extent of damage. If the awl pokes in easily and deeply, the wood may be severely damaged. A tiny larva hatches from an egg and burrows into the wood. It continues feeding and growing to maturity when it burrows toward the surface and pupates. The adult emerges from the pupa and continues the tunnel to the surface.
Adults leave the wood, mate, and then the females return to lay eggs.
Exit holes and sawdust from beetles burrowing out are often the first symptom noticed. Depending on the type of powder post beetle and the species, the life cycle may range from 3 months to 2 or more years. Some species are specific as to the types of wood they infest, while others are general feeders. However, they usually are either hardwood or softwood feeders. The first step to management is deciding if there is an active infestation, or if you are seeing old damage.