What does an insect infestation look like?
It depends on the insect involved!
Small (1/16”) fresh holes surrounded by a halo of very fine dust on the flooring surface is typical of powder post beetles. Smaller holes present at time of flooring delivery are typically pin worm holes, not insects and not an active infestation. Pin worm holes are allowed in most grades of hardwood flooring, and are not considered a defect.
Larger holes or tunnels under collapsing finish with coarse residue is more typical of termites.
What to do about insect infestation:
Termites should be addressed by a pest control professional, followed by repair/replacement of allstructural damage including affected flooring.
Powder post beetle holes and dust (aka “frass”) indicate the end of the life cycle, and these beetles cannot re-infest the bore hole or repopulate in the wood. Their life cycle is short – typically 3-6 months. Holes can be filled as needed.
Is this a warranty issue?
The Somerset Limited Warranty excludes all insect related issues from coverage under the terms of the warranty.
Claims for insect infestation of a floor should not be filed and cannot be processed.
INFORMATION REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF THE NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION. NWFA "Wood Floor Facts: Insect Infestations"