Do Powderpost Beetles Bite?

Powderpost beetles are wood-boring insects that primarily feed on the starches in wood. They are not blood-feeding insects and do not bite people or pets in the way mosquitoes, ticks, or even some other beetles might. Their “mouthparts” are adapted to chew wood, not skin.

That said, in extremely rare situations, if someone were handling an infested piece of wood, they might nibble at exposed skin, but this is unusual, typically harmless, and does not pose significant medical risk. Most reported “bites” around powderpost beetles are actually allergic reactions to wood dust, small scratches from handling, or contact dermatitis caused by frass (fine wood powder mixed with beetle feces).

Powderpost Beetle Bites

Powderpost beetle “bites” are essentially almost nonexistent in a medical sense. These beetles are wood-eaters, not blood-feeders, so they do not intentionally bite humans or pets. Reports of “bites” are almost always misattributed—they are usually:

Minor skin irritation from contact with wood dust or frass (the fine powder the beetles produce).
Allergic reactions to proteins in the beetle or in the frass.
Scratches from handling infested wood.

If someone were theoretically “bitten” by a powderpost beetle (e.g., they accidentally handled one while it tried to chew wood), the effects would be:

Slight redness or a tiny scratch.
Mild itchiness in sensitive individuals.
No venom, toxins, or disease transmission.

There is no serious risk from powderpost beetle bites. The bigger concern is structural damage powderpost beetles cause to wood in your home or furniture, which can be extensive if left untreated.

What Do Powderpost Beetle Bites Look Like?

Actual bites from powderpost beetles are extremely rare and, if they occur, are almost imperceptible—essentially tiny, shallow pinpricks, sometimes causing minor redness. Most cases people report as “bites” are not bites at all but skin reactions to beetle frass (wood dust and feces). Here’s how to distinguish them:

True Powderpost Beetle Bites (very rare)

Tiny puncture mark, usually less than 1 mm.
Mild redness or slight swelling.
Occurs only if the beetle is handled directly and pressed against the skin.
No pain beyond minor irritation.

Frass-Related Skin Reactions (common)

Red, itchy patches on exposed skin.
Slight raised bumps or tiny rashes that may resemble insect bites.
Usually appear after contact with infested wood, sawdust, or furniture.
May be accompanied by mild irritation or a burning sensation.
Often clustered along the area that contacted the frass, not random like true insect bites.

True powderpost beetle bites are individual, discrete, and rare, while reactions from frass often appear as multiple small bumps or a mild rash over the area that touched the wood dust.

What To Do About Powderpost Beetle Bites

If you suspect you’ve been “bitten” by powderpost beetles, the good news is that serious medical consequences are virtually nonexistent, because these beetles do not feed on blood or inject toxins. Most reactions are minor irritation from contact with wood dust (frass) rather than actual bites. Here’s what to do:

Clean the affected area

Wash the skin with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove any dust, frass, or potential allergens.
Pat dry with a clean towel; avoid rubbing the area.

Soothe irritation

Apply a cool compress if the area is red or itchy.
Over-the-counter anti-itch creams (like hydrocortisone 1%) or antihistamine creams can reduce mild redness or itching.

Monitor for reactions

True bites are rare and minor; they usually heal in a day or two.
If you develop severe redness, swelling, or signs of infection (pus, warmth, spreading rash), contact a healthcare provider.
Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon; seek medical care if you experience hives, swelling of the face/lips, or difficulty breathing—though this is extremely unlikely from powderpost beetles.

Reduce exposure

Avoid prolonged contact with infested wood or furniture until it’s treated.
Wear gloves, long sleeves, and a dust mask when handling infested items.
Vacuum or sweep up frass promptly and discard it safely, as it can trigger minor skin irritation.

Treat the infestation

Addressing the beetle problem is crucial. Untreated powderpost beetle infestations can cause serious structural damage.

Options include:

Our professional inspection and treatment. Contact us to learn more.
Replacing heavily infested wood.
Using moisture control and sealing to prevent reinfestation.

In short, bites themselves are almost harmless; the main concern is skin irritation from frass and the potential damage to wood.