Replies

1. 
   StanleyNiemiec | May 30, 2003 09:31am | #1

   There are only two methods to effective sterilize lumber infested with powderpost beetle.  Heat, as in a kiln, to a prescribed temperature/time combination as listed in the Dry Kiln Operators' Manual is one way and probably the cheapest and safest.  The other is with specific fumigants such as methyl bromide.  Fumigants are restricted chemicals and generally you are required to be a Licensed Applicator to acquire them.  The good news is that you are near ocean shipping facilities and there may be fumigation chambers at the docks that you could transport the lumber to for treatment.  (Somebody mentioned this in relation to the docks of LA and it was one of the best ideas I have hear here in several years  --  kudoes to whoever mentioned it.)

2. 
   forestgirl | May 30, 2003 06:52pm | #2

   A long shot, but worth a try:  If you can find an independent fumigator who has the equipment to do tent fumigation, you might be able to talk him into doing the stack in place for a reasonable price.  I had to have a cottage-sized house done many years ago, and the franchise companies wanted up to $2500 to do the job.  I found an independent who had been in business for decades, good rep, and did the job for less than $1000.  Just shows how much difference there can be in price.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   bobhallsr | May 31, 2003 07:09am | #3

   Thank you all for the help.  I will probably have to wait until it gets dry enough that the Amish mill can unload the current batch of lumber and they can put mine in.  The big boys don't like to bother with an odd lot like mine.

   I realize that a lot of fumigant materials are now considered too toxic for general use.  I guess that's what happened to ethyl acetate. 

   BJ Gardening, cooking and woodworking in Southern Maryland