[Problems & Solutions] Answers To Your Tough Questions

Q I have an account that has had an
ongoing infestation of American spider beetles (Mezium americanum). The multi-level house is nearly 100 years old and has had problems mainly on the second and third floors. We seldom find the beetles in the kitchen or pantry (where I would expect to find them). The highest level of infestation seems to come from the closets and baseboards of the two bedrooms. Each floor has inaccessible dead air space between the floor above and below where we suspect the beetles are inhabiting. Over the years the house has had numerous problems with squirrels, so we have been concerned about caches of nuts. Unfortunately it is not possible to get to all possible hiding places. We have dusted voids numerous times, but the problem continues. Do you have any suggestions, short of a tent fumigation?

A It is interesting that you associate
spider beetle infestations with nuts and food storage spots; my experience is that rodents and birds can be more of a "source" then food storage. Spider beetles are truly nuisance insects. Their activity is mostly unseen as they forage and move at night. But the worse cases I have seen and read about have been associated with rodent infestations. They feed readily on mammal droppings, and are often found in bird nests. Most likely the areas where the squirrels were active created the problem and if they moved between floors you would be correct in your assessment of those areas. Can you dust into those areas between the floors? Can you find old droppings or other areas where the squirrels were active? Can you see any cocoons or larvae in cracks in the floors? (That is if the floor is accessible and not covered by carpets.)

Q During the PCT Termite Summit
in Houston, Texas, in November, I learned that the best way to carry out termite inspections would be to first use an infrared camera device to locate areas of high moisture. Thereafter, the AED-2000 is used in these areas with high moisture to detect if there is any activity. Then the Termatrac is used to pinpoint the termites’ actual activities so that treatment can be affected. What are your thoughts on this inspection protocol?

A These are interesting observations.
These detection devices — camera, audio device and one that detects movement — are sweeping into the industry providing the newest technologies in inspections for wood-destroying organisms and other pests.