I Have Little Bugs on My Wooden Refrigerator Door & They Do Not Die

Types, Causes

• Wood-boring beetles such as powderpost beetles and deathwatch beetles are common pests of wood inside homes. These beetles attack any wood source, including kitchen cabinets, wooden refrigerator doors and beams. Wood-boring beetles are typically light brown in color and are small or medium-sized insects. Termites are also commonly found in wood inside homes and can cause significant structural damage to the home. These damaging pests live in large colonies and lay their eggs in galleries in wooden items inside the home. Subterranean termites are the most common in homes and are difficult to eliminate.

  Homes that have wooden refrigerators, cabinets and beams are at an increased risk of these damaging pests. Because food is housed inside the refrigerator, it is a meal source for bugs. Leaking water underneath refrigerators also draws insects searching for water. As long as food and water are available, insects can be difficult to control.

Visible Damage

• When wooden cabinets and refrigerator doors inside homes are infested with wood-boring beetles, small exit holes are easily seen on the surface of wood. Fine powder will be visible inside these holes or may be seen on the floor near infested areas. If left untreated, wood-boring beetles can seriously damage wood, making it necessary to repair or replace the item.

  Termites swarm during certain times of the year, making them easy to spot. These pests typically swarm after rain or at night. Wooden doors infested with termites often have holes on the surface, and sawdust is visible near the infested area. When large colonies of termites are present, the damage to wood may be significant. Homeowners who find termites anywhere in their home must take steps to eliminate these pests before they spread throughout the home.

Cultural Control

• Wood-boring beetles are often introduced into homes through wooden artifacts or furniture. Inspect any wood items before bringing them inside to prevent infestations. Covering your wooden cabinets, refrigerator doors and other wooden items with sealants will help prevent infestations. Sealants prevent beetles from boring into the wood. Termites live in the soil and tunnel through wood to infest homes.

  It is important to keep wood away from your home, if possible. Avoid storing firewood close to your home and avoid placing wooden planters near your home's foundation. Seal any openings or cracks in your home to reduce infestations. Avoid planting trees close to your home, as termites often move into homes from these areas.

Chemical Control

• Homeowners can use insecticides to control wood-boring beetles and termites but they are often difficult to eliminate because the larvae live underneath the protection of wooden surfaces. According to the University of Arizona, ethylene glycol is an effective insecticide when applied to unvarnished wood with a sprayer or brush. Take special care to avoid contaminating food items with insecticides as there are currently no organic treatments available to control these pests indoors. If termites are present in your home, consult a professional exterminator to determine if there is damage to other areas of your home, which may require treatment to prevent serious damage to the structure of your home.