Powderpost beetles primarily inhabit what type of wood?

Powderpost beetles are known to primarily infest dry wood, which includes seasoned or kiln-dried lumber. These pests prefer wood that has a moisture content typically below 20%, as this environment is conducive to their growth and reproduction. The dry wood provides an optimal habitat for larvae, which burrow into the wood to feed, leading to significant damage over time.

Their lifecycle is closely tied to the conditions of the wood they inhabit, with adult beetles laying eggs in the cracks or crevices of dried wood. The hatching larvae then tunnel through the wood, creating the characteristic powdery frass or dust associated with their presence. This behavior highlights the importance of dry wood as a primary habitat for powderpost beetles, distinguishing them from pests that may prefer other types of wood.