Wharf Borer

Category: Miscellaneous

Scientific Name: Nacerdes Melanura (Linnaeus)

Identification: 

Color: Can be shades of brown, red, or black, with yellow tips

Size: Body is ¼ to 9/16 inches long (7-14 mm)

Region: Found in the United States and across the world

Important Considerations:

  • Larvae bore into wharf pilings, both in sea water and fresh water
  • They bore into wood in which fungal decay has already started
  • Larvae can accelerate the destruction of wood already decaying
  • The first signs of infestation are when you see multiple adults, but often the wood is buried and not accessible

Where to Find Them on Your Property?

Colonies are usually located in softwoods, but can occasionally attack other hardwoods like Oak. The wood must be damp and decay needs to have already begun for the Borers to be there. Common places they are found would be foundation pilings under buildings, wood that has leaky plumbing, buried wood, and wood with ground contact that has gotten wet- such as boards or support posts.