2006-07-09 01:59:05 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You might have termites BUT if you're actually seeing the dust of wood (and not termite droppings), you might have one of several types of "Powderpost Beetles" or a "Wood Borer" that are dining on the wood of your home. The powder that you find, when it's fresh, is usually light in color and does not clump whereas wood powder that is darker yellow and clumps together is from older infestations.
You'll normally find these insects when you have moisture in the wood. In most cases, these insects don't stay around for long periods of time in your home. But if you're concerned, you should consult a reputable pest control operator and ask if your infestation is serious.
Good Luck!
2006-07-09 19:40:01 · answer #1 · answered by jazzmaninca2003 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
termites eat wood and leave very little behind, certainly not piles of sawdust. carpenter ants, on the other hand, do not eat wood but just chew through it and leave it behind in piles of sawdust. sounds like you have carpenter ants. look for large black ants. you can buy traps in the store (raid, combat, etc) or you can drill tiny holes in the wall/ceiling where they are hiding and push in some boric acid, which can be purchased at hardware stores.
if you have an accessible wall or ceiling (adjacent room or attic) then check it out there. you may find the colony and be able to destroy the ants. they will usually be there because there is some source of moisture - either a leak in the roof or in a water pipe somewhere. you will need to get rid of the moisture source in order to prevent them from coming back.
2006-07-09 06:03:21 · answer #2 · answered by taxmannyc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well buttercup? lol they are black carpenter ants,and when you spray or bait them you need to do it every 3 months after the 1st tyme u do it.your wondering why? right?well you have to kill the adults 1st then you have the eggs to deal with and they werent all layed at the same tyme,hence the 3months spray again then again up to a year to make sure you get them all? and heres another thing also,they will move there colony around your house to escape being killed,they enjoy moist damp areas cause they can bore into the wood easyier then dry wood if you see black ant with wings(a really big ONE) kill it quick!! its a queen! it may not be the queen in your closet but if it is? you will have destroyed the colony with one stomp!! lol gud luck
2006-07-09 03:21:42 · answer #3 · answered by fcknwhtguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes treefrog there are carpenter bees they bore holes in wood leaving sawdust behind we had some here. May be other names for them but they usually attack the outside of a home and bore their way in.
2006-07-09 03:05:44 · answer #4 · answered by theohiolutes25 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The obvious answer is termites. However there is another pesky insect called a carpenter ant that loves to chew up wood as well. Hopefully you have the latter. They are easier to kill. You can bait/spray for them.
2006-07-09 03:53:28 · answer #5 · answered by r0cky74 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Termites.
2006-07-09 02:02:34 · answer #6 · answered by Billdoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Termites. You've got a problem. Better call a professional exterminator.
2006-07-09 02:03:29 · answer #7 · answered by sheeny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turmits
2006-07-09 02:02:14 · answer #8 · answered by catnap 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, everyone beat me to my answer. I was gonna say termites. Now, I feel pressured to say something else. Crap! I hate it when this happens!!!
ok....
A carpenter bee! Get it??? LOLOL
I know....that as bad. What can I say? I ain't right in da head!
2006-07-09 02:06:19 · answer #9 · answered by treefrog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably termites. You better call an exterminator.
2006-07-09 02:02:40 · answer #10 · answered by Annie's World 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋