The adults conceal themselves in cracks and holes in the wood during the day and become active at night. They are strong fliers and may be attracted to lights. Indoors, they may be seen crawling on window-sills, floors, furniture and other surfaces. Wood, such as maple, beech and poplar is particularly susceptible to attack. Larvae feeding in softwoods produce numerous oval pellets which have a gritty feel.
Infestations usually begin in crawl spaces or other areas where wood is near the ground.
Damage may be heaviest near access openings, such as doors and vents, where the infestation first started. High moisture levels in the wood will speed the development of these beetles and, under favorable conditions, the cycle of re-infestation can occur within 1 to 2 years. Damage is usually detected in homes older than ten years since infestations develop slowly. Adult beetles are active only at night and may become numerous in early to late spring. In some areas of the country, the old house borer is second only to termites in damage to structural wood.