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Warning to European House
Borer A couple of years ago
Stewarts was informed by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of
Housing and Works that the European
House Borer (EHB) has been found in some hills areas. Since then the European
House Borer has been found in Bullsbrook, Nowergup, Gigdegannup,
Henley Brook, Chidlow, EHB will infest dry
(seasoned), untreated pine and other softwoods. The often infest roof timbers
but have been found in architraves, door frames and pine furniture. They will
often infest the dried out branch stubs, damaged branches, damaged trunks,
dead trees and logs. The borer usually stays in the timber for between two
and twelve years before emerging as an adult usually in the summer months.
Then they mate and repeat the cycle. Because they may stay in the wood for a
number of years it can make detection difficult. People who have
removed dead pine or firewood from these areas are advised to burn it
immediately as a precaution and not to store it for next winter. The public is
being urged to inspect pine trees and any untreated softwood timber or
furniture they have in their homes. It is advised not to collect or move
untreated pine. What to look
for: ·
Things to look
for are oval shaped holes measuring about 5mm to 10mm. They run with the
grain on the surface. This is from where an adult beetle. ·
Sometimes there
is dust and droppings (called frass) can be seen on the floor below affected
timber where the adult has emerged. ·
Long blister-like
swellings under the surface of the wood which is caused by tightly packed
frass in the galleries. ·
A soft scraping
sound made by the larvae as they feed may be heard at night and can be
audible from some distance. If you are suspicious or
would like to know more information contact the Plant Pest Hotline on 1800
084 881 or go to www.ehb.wa.gov.au. Otherwise contact Stewarts Pest Control to make an
appointment for a Full Visual Timber Pest inspection. Stewarts would also
like to advise people that are looking at buying a property in any of the
above mentioned areas should be having a Visual Pre-Purchase Full Timber Pest
inspection not just a common Visual Pre-Purchase Termite inspection. Pictures
of European House Borer Beetle, larva and hole. |
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