yellow poplar insect destruction!

[1953greg]

HELP!  i have a 22 year old house/barn 80% made from yellow poplar.  i had noticed some worm or beetle holes (.020-.040" diameter) in past years but didnt inspect.  while there last weekend (200 mi away) i really checked it out and some interior wall boards in the utility/lawndry room are completely destroyed.   breakes down to powder when easily crushed w/ hands.  not sure when the problem started but i lived there for the first 9 years and didnt see any damage.    can this  get really bad fast?  what kind of worm/beetle and what will kill them?  holes are bout the same size as post bore beetle in oaks.  are they still there or do they move on?  any clues or help. thanks  1953greg

[SwampDonkey]

Sounds like the Powder Post beetle and you possibly have a moisture problem and/or brought infested wood into the house.

This site may help identify and treat the problem - click here

For more info click here


best of luck