Annobium punctatum: (the Furniture Beetle, Borer Beetle, Common House Borer)
A small brown beetle approximately 3-4mm in length with its head facing down. Its life cycle is 3-4 Years in sap timber, emerging as an adult in Spring. It prefers timbers with a moisture content range from 5-7%, up to approximately 20%.
This beetle is very common in untreated sap woods Including Rimu, Matai, Pinus Radiata (Pine), and Kauri..
However this beetle has also been known to attack untreated ply-woods Chip Board,and Pinex Panelling. Chemical Free Laser Frame Pinus Radiata Pine (Common in houses 1996 - 2003) is also attacked once the moisture reaches 5-7%.
Timbers not usually attacked include, all heart timbers and the likes of Macrocarpa, Cedar,and to a degree Oak (due to its high tannin Content) plus Douglas Fir.
This is by far the most common economical wood pest introduced into New Zealand.
Rule of Thumb for timbers : 6 holes to the square inch (2.5cm Square) the timber is half eaten.
Look a Likes:
Found in the kitchen, food cupboards and looking very similar to Borer only slightly more Reddish-Brown in colour is the Drugstore Beetle (Stegobium paniceum). This is found infesting Breakfast cereals, Grains, Seeds and Dry Pet Food. This beetle also has the ability to bore through sheet lead.