Page 100 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

ORIENTAL WOOD BORER

Drawing by Andrew Schaible

1.Antenna- short 6.Thorax-
2.Eyes- 7.Petiole- none ORIENTAL WOOD BORER
3.Head- facing downward 8.Abdomen- elongated
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- reddish-brown to black 6 5
5.Wings- covered by elytra 10.Other- cylindrical shape overall 8

Life Cycle
The female deposits eggs on rough lumber surfaces, or in tunnels and
cracks. As the larvae hatch out, they continue to chew and pack tunnels
with fine sawdust like material. Eventually a pupal cell is formed, and 4
when the adults hatch they leave using a small exit hole. Both the 3 1
larvae and adults will chew through the wood. The complete cycle can
take from 1-6 years. Drawing by Andrew Schaible

Actual size 3/8”
ORIENTAL WOOD BORER

The Oriental Wood Borer was first found in 1967 in some oak lumber in Florida. It has since
been found in many lumberyards throughout the state, and most recently on pallets that
came from Singapore. It is considered as being established in Florida. It usually attacks new
lumber, and can emerge years later inside structures that used the infested products. At least
35 types of wood have been found to be adequate hosts for Oriental Wood Borers, and they
will be found in plywood, boxes, and even furniture. It is also known as the Auger Beetle.

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