Wood deterioration by powderpost beetles / Nor Aziah Ibrahim

Wood is a natural and renewable resource in the world and that it is important for our economy and our daily life. It can be used as fuel materials, construction materials, furniture and others. The deterioration of timber by wood deteriorating agents will make the wood products become useless. Beetles was one of the insects that can damage wood products. Several kinds of beetles damage stored wood, structural timbers and other wood products. These beetles come from at least 12 insects families and vary greatly in size, wood preference, nature of damage and other habits. Powderpost beetles was one of the families beetles that was the great infesting beetles of wood. The tunneling activities of larvae and subsequent emergence of adults weakens the structural strength of wood and may destroy its appearance. This damage identification is extremely important, since control measures vary according to species. Preventing powderpost beetles or other beetles infestation is important, but once damaging are found, control measures are needed.