We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Eric Leibold from Stark Exterminators, and wow—if you’re a homeowner, you’ll want to read this. Powderpost beetles may not be as famous as termites, but they can do serious damage to your home—especially if you have moisture issues. Here's what we learned from the expert (and what every homeowner should be on the lookout for).

🪲 What Are Powderpost Beetles?

Powderpost beetles are small wood-destroying insects that leave tiny pinholes in exposed wood and a fine, talc-like powder—aka "frass"—as they bore through. These pests thrive in high-moisture environments and often go unnoticed until visible damage appears.

🚩 Signs You Might Have Them

Here are a few warning signs to watch for in your crawl space, basement, or unfinished storage areas:

Tiny pinholes in wood (often in a line or cluster)
Powdery sawdust-like material below the holes
Frass piles on the ground (look like little ant hills)
Sagging insulation or decaying wood
Musty smells in your crawl space
High moisture readings (especially over 20%)

💧 Moisture = The Root of Most Problems

Eric emphasized this throughout the interview: moisture is the real enemy. It's what invites termites, carpenter ants, fungus, and yes—powderpost beetles. Homes without vapor barriers, sump pumps, or adequate ventilation are particularly vulnerable.

“If we walk into a crawl space and see no vapor barrier, it's like—well, no wonder there’s a problem,” Eric said.

🎥 Watch the Full Interview Here:
Get expert insights directly from Eric Leibold of Stark Exterminators. Click here to watch the full conversation!

🛠 How Are Powderpost Beetles Treated?

Treatment usually involves a borate solution applied topically to exposed wood. The solution includes a blue dye so future inspectors can see it's been treated. After that, Stark recommends a 1-year follow-up to confirm there’s no ongoing activity.

🛡 Can You Prevent Them?

Yes! Here's Eric's homeowner checklist for prevention:

Install a vapor barrier in your crawl space
Use a dehumidifier if needed
Open foundation vents seasonally unless fully encapsulated
Keep firewood, lumber, and tree limbs away from the house
Seal any foundation cracks or holes in vent screens
Get an annual pest inspection

🏠 What About Encapsulated Crawl Spaces?

Encapsulation helps a lot—it keeps the crawl space temperature and humidity low, which makes it hard for powderpost beetles to thrive. But Eric warned: termites can still show up, and you must leave an inspection gap (4–6 inches) around support piers and foundation walls for pest professionals to do their job properly.

😬 What's the Worst Case?

Eric shared one jaw-dropping story from a home in Yadkinville where two-thirds of the subfloor had to be rebuilt due to moisture and beetle damage. “You could literally grab a 2x8 and snap it with your hand,” he said. That’s the kind of damage you never want to discover too late.

🐍 Bonus: Snakes, Mice & Moisture—Oh My!

Moisture issues don’t just attract insects—they can also bring in rodents and snakes. Many homeowners don’t realize that unsealed crawl spaces become a buffet for black snakes hunting mice. Just another reason to stay on top of your home’s moisture levels!

Final Thoughts

Crawl spaces and basements may be “out of sight, out of mind,” but they play a huge role in your home’s health. Powderpost beetles are just one of the many problems that can arise when moisture is left unchecked.

Your best bet? Annual inspections, good ventilation, and keeping that crawl space dry and clean. If you suspect an issue—or just want peace of mind—reach out to the experts.