Powderpost Beetle Menace in Wooden Handicraft Industries and Their Management

In India, the handicraft industry is considered the second largest industry next to agriculture. Apart from lack of supply of conventional wood raw material, insect pest problems are an added threat to these wooden handicraft industries. Many of the wooden handicraft products are inferior in quality due to use of untreated raw material, which is susceptible to powderpost beetle damage. Infestation by these powderpost beetles usually starts in the raw material and may continue in the finished product or after being passed on to the consumer. Effective management measures are a prerequisite for this industry to deliver quality wooden handicraft products. This paper deals with the powderpost beetle menace experienced by the wooden handicraft industries in Karnataka, India. The remedial measures for the effective management of powderpost beetles are also suggested.