GLOSSARY · ADELAIDE
Borer flight holes
Plain English
Small (1-2mm) round holes in timber where adult borers have emerged. Indicates either active or historic borer activity.
Different borer species create different hole sizes. Powderpost beetles create the smallest holes; common house borer creates 2-3mm holes; deathwatch and longhorn species are larger.
Active vs historic borer matters. Active activity (frass present, fresh-looking holes) needs treatment. Historic activity (old weathered holes, no frass) may not need anything.
Inspectors will tap timber, look for fresh frass below holes, and assess whether activity is current. Older Adelaide hardwood flooring often shows historic borer activity that's been dormant for decades.