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Old House Borers (Hylotrupes bajulus)
Old house borers are large, long-horned beetles whose larvae bore through seasoned softwood lumber in structural framing, flooring, and paneling for up to 10 years before emerging as adults, leaving oval exit holes and extensive tunneling damage that can compromise structural integrity. Despite their name, they are just as likely to infest new construction as old houses. Early signs include rasping or ticking sounds within walls and fine powdery frass. Professional fumigation is typically required for widespread infestations in structural lumber.