Old House Borers

This insect is part of the more commonly known group called “long horned beetles.” The larval stage of this beetle feeds on seasons softwood preferring pine, fir, and spruce. The larvae will not live in fresh cut or decayed wood. The larvae can remain alive and feed for several years in seasoned softwood and cause considerable damage during this time. Contrary to its common name, the old house borer occurs primarily in houses less than 10 years old. The feeding of larger old house borer larvae can actually be heard. They make a sound similar to scratching or scraping of the wood. These feeding sounds are most noticeable in the spring or summer and less so in the winter.