Hadrobregmus pertinax: inconspicuous pest with significant impact
Hadrobregmus pertinax, known as the common furniture beetle, is a small beetle from the Ptinidae family that poses a threat to buildings, especially in Finland. Its presence in wood indicates a moisture problem.
Characteristics
Adult beetles are black with yellow hairs on the rear corners of the head and measure 4-5 mm in length. Larvae, which are about 5 mm long, live in decaying wood. The larval stage lasts for many years.
Recognition of the presence
The common house borer is known for the ticking sound made by the males when they hit their heads against the wood to attract the females. The presence of larvae indicates a moisture problem in the wood.
Dangers
This is the most destructive building insect in Finland, where it has survived the long winters. The damage indicates that moisture problems need to be solved.
Control
Solving the moisture problem is key to removing the beetle from the building. Other control methods include the use of insecticides and regular inspections.
Summary
Hadrobregmus pertinax, although small, can indicate more serious structural problems in buildings. Its control requires not only chemical intervention but also the solution of moisture problems.