Most roundheaded and flatheaded borers are found within a structure shortly after it is built. Adult beetles that emerge inside the home often end up near lights or at a window. They do not bite or sting. Most will not reinfest structural wood, especially when it is painted, varnished, waxed or finished. The old house borer is an exception.
Some adults enter homes on firewood or are attracted to home lights and accidentally gain entry.
Identification Adult roundheaded borers vary in length from 8 to 76mm. Beetles attacking softwoods can be drab and unattractive, whereas beetles on hardwoods are brightly colored and conspicuously marked. Adult flatheaded borers are 6 to 34mm long, boat-shaped and flattened. Wing covers are ridged or roughened. Larvae have flattened plates on the upper and lower surface of the first segment behind the head.