Which beetle has smaller, perfectly round exit holes?

The powderpost beetle is known for producing smaller, perfectly round exit holes, which is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from other types of wood-boring insects. These exit holes typically measure about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter. The larvae of powderpost beetles create extensive damage to wood as they feed beneath the surface, leading to these very distinctive exit points when they emerge as adults.

Understanding this characteristic is crucial for pest control professionals, as it informs them of the specific pest they are dealing with and the appropriate management strategies. In contrast, the old house borer produces larger, oval-shaped exit holes, while carpenter beetles may leave behind irregular or larger exit holes. Termites do not typically create exit holes; instead, they chew through wood and leave behind frass and mud tubes, which can differ significantly from the powderpost beetle's identifiable exit holes.