These beetles are frequently found in timbers which are, or have been, damp, and their presence is usually associated with an attack of wood-rotting fungi.

The ragged irregular flight holes of this beetle are normally found in the ground floor joist ends, where they are in contact with damp masonry, or the subfloor ventilation is inadequate.

The holes normally run with the grain of the wood close to the surface. Their exit holes are often oval and jagged in appearance. Whilst they can be eradicated with insecticides, as in the case of the common furniture beetle, the first thing to do is to ensure the timbers are dry, and that there is adequate subfloor ventilation.