Lyctus linearis: An invisible threat to your wood

The Lyctus linearis beetle is a wood pest that can cause serious damage to wooden structural elements, furniture and other wooden objects. In this article, we will take a closer look at its characteristics, life cycle and control methods.

Characteristics and Life Cycle

The common furniture beetle is a small but harmful beetle. It particularly prefers hardwood with a high starch content, such as oak, ash or maple. The larvae, which develop inside the wood, are responsible for the damage by creating characteristic corridors.

Detection

The presence of a parquet beetle can be recognised by the fine wood dust around the exit holes, which are the result of the feeding activity of the larvae. In addition, small, round holes may appear on the surface of the wood.

Dangers

The damage caused by the parquet beetle can be severe. The larvae weaken the wood by feeding inside it, which can lead to cracks, deformations and, in extreme cases, even the collapse of wooden elements.

Control and Prevention

To control the parquet beetle, the following should be done:

• Use of insecticides: effective, but requires caution and proper application.
• Control of environmental conditions: keeping the wood moisture low can prevent the pest from developing.
• Wood protection: impregnation and varnishing of the wood can prevent infestation.

Summary

The Lyctus beetle (Lyctus linearis) is a small but dangerous wood pest, the presence of which requires quick and effective action. Regular checks and appropriate safeguards can help protect your wood from its activities.