Portal:United States Department of Agriculture Food Service

“ The most obvious sign of a roundheaded wood borer beetle attack is the egg niches that some beetles chew on the outer bark or the white, splinter-like boring frass that can be found under the bark (fig. 3) . Larvae produce wide tunnels that meander under the bark. Holes that penetrate into the wood are most likely due to wood borer larvae. Emerging adults leave broadly oval to circular, cleanly cut exit holes (fig. 4) .
Management—Because roundheaded beetles do not attack healthy trees, management should focus on preventing attacks on recently dead or felled trees. ”

“ Larvae that tunnel into the sapwood and heartwood can frequently damage logs and wood products. Adults aid in wood decomposition by introducing yeasts, bacteria, and wood-rotting fungi that lead to tree rot and checking in the wood. ”

“ Roundheaded wood borer adults attack spring through fall, depending on species. Eggs are laid in the outer layers of the bark or by first chewing a slit (referred to as an egg niche) in the inner bark and depositing eggs into the moist inner layers of the bark. Larvae develop under the bark in the cambium. Several species also tunnel into the sapwood and heartwood. Most overwinter as larvae under the bark.
Damage—Roundheaded wood borer beetles attack weakened, dying, recently cut, and fire damaged or killed trees and can attack freshly cut timber before it is dried. ”