The elusive little bug that feeds on furniture

Powderpost beetles a new problem; Case sees seven bug-related complaints so far this year

Although termites are more aggressive, some wood boring insects may not emerge until it's way too late. The Straits Times' Irene Tham takes a closer look at the powderpost beetle and tells you what you can do if they've made it into your home.
Above: Wood being made into furniture at a workshop. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority does not impose conditions on wood imports. Australia, however, requires imported wood to have phytosanitary certificates detailing the treatment options given.
Above: Wood being made into furniture at a workshop. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority does not impose conditions on wood imports. Australia, however, requires imported wood to have phytosanitary certificates detailing the treatment options given. PHOTOS: DESMOND WEE, JANICE TAN
Above: Wood being made into furniture at a workshop. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority does not impose conditions on wood imports. Australia, however, requires imported wood to have phytosanitary certificates detailing the treatment options given.
The small holes created by the powderpost beetles when they have bored through the wood. PHOTO: JANICE TAN
Irene Tham
Tech Editor
Updated
May 04, 2018, 12:33 AM
Published
May 02, 2018, 05:00 AM
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When Ms Janice Tan, 36, spotted tiny bugs crawling on the curtain in her bedroom, she thought they had flown in from outside her condominium.

The finance executive never suspected the mites had secretly been sharing the bed with her and her husband for almost a year.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 02, 2018, with the headline The elusive little bug that feeds on furniture. Subscribe

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