Which pest is known for leaving small oval exit holes in wood?

The pest recognized for leaving small oval exit holes in wood is the powderpost beetle. These beetles are known for their unique lifecycle, where larvae feed on wood for extended periods, causing damage. After maturing, they exit the wood through oval holes, which can indicate an infestation. This is specifically characteristic of powderpost beetles, as their exit holes are typically about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter. Each hole marks the departure of an adult beetle after it has completed its development within the wood, signaling that the wood has been compromised and may require attention to prevent further damage.

While the old-house borer, another wood-damaging pest, does create exit holes, they are generally larger and not oval in shape. In contrast, termites and carpenter ants do not typically leave exit holes in wood that resemble the specific oval shape produced by powderpost beetles. This distinction is key to identifying the correct pest based on the characteristics of the exit holes found in wooden structures.