Adult borers found inside the home may look ominous and pinch the skin if handled but are not dangerous. Bark Beetles Bark beetles commonly infest dead or dying trees and then appear in firewood from such trees. The larvae feed on wood as they chew at right angles from the central gallery. Bark beetles cannot reproduce in household wood products. Powderpost and Anobiid Beetles Powderpost and anobiid beetle infestations of structural wood and furniture are not common in Colorado but can be serious.
Native species do occur naturally in dead tree limbs and dry, seasoned wood.
However, problems with these Insects in Colorado appear to be associated with the introduction of infested wood products from Eastern states. These ants nest in rotting, water-damaged wood, and such logs are rarely used for firewood. Native populations of carpenter ants may develop within old rotting wood that has been stored improperly for long periods. There is a widespread but unfounded concern about transporting termites in firewood or other wood products. Colorado termites nest underground.