Powderpost Beetles Devour National Landmark’s Wood Floors

A national landmark in Wisconsin has stood since the 1870s, but now its wood floors are being destroyed by an invasion of powderpost beetles, NBC26 reports.

Our Lady of Loretto Chapel in St. Nazianz, Wis., was given national historic landmark status in 1982. Jerry Dewane, the president of the St. Nazianz Historical Society, told NBC26 that the building is not heated and does not have a dehumidifier.

“These little creatures require a certain amount of moisture, and with no heat and very little ventilation, the moisture finally got to the point where the bugs are happy and we're not,” Dewane said of the powderpost beetles.

The building last underwent a renovation in 2006, where portions of the wood flooring under the altar were replaced, according to The Society of the Divine Savior, which maintains the building.

The historical society has been monitoring the powderpost beetle invasion in the wood floors for the past couple of years. At this point, the floor has passed the point of return and will need to be removed, according to Dewane.

A fundraiser has been started by The Society of the Divine Savior to replace the wood flooring. It has raised $3,000 so far, with a goal of raising $16,000.

For donation information, follow this link.

 

Related:

Powderpost Beetles: Small Pests That Can Cause Big Trouble

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