Cedar Tree Borer (Semanotus ligneus)

Marty Mills brought in this cedar tree borer from a house in Twain Harte, Tuolumne County, California.

This beetle is commonly seen inside homes in early spring. People bring in cedar firewood, the house is warm, the wood heats up, and the beetles emerge. We find a parallel situation with oak wood borers.

The solution is to take or leave the firewood outside.  If you bring in more than you need in a reasonable time period, you risk having boring beetles emerging into the house.  They are strong fliers and can be annoying.