Help!! I've got problems in my attic.

[wizzy]

Hello everyone from Michael in Cape Town.
I went into my attic this week to store some memorabillia and noticed little mounds of pure white powder (similar to talcum powder) on the ceiling boards attached to the rafters. On closer examination I found small holes in the roof rafters above. I fear I have a wood boring insect trying to take up residence. Please advise - I'm desperate.

[r3nov8or]

Hi wizzy. This is predominantly an Australian forum, so knowledge of the "usual suspects" in Cape Town may be limited. I suggest you also quickly get some help from a local "pest assessment and extermination" outfit

[ubeaut]

For what it's worth.

If there is powder it usually means the borers/white ants or whatever have left their home .

The best cheapest and easiest method i have used (mostly on cut wood) has been to inject a small amount of petrol into a few of the holes. The fumes will permeate their tunnels and kill all that are still in residence.

You would be wise to tap the beams to see if there is much wood left in them. On roof trusses it should be pretty obvious if there is extreme damage.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers - Neil