Replies

1. 
   ted | Aug 27, 2005 06:59pm | #1

   Yes they could be living in there. What you are actually seeing is the exit holes left by the beetles as they transform from larvae to worm and finally beetle. The cycle repeats itself over and over again unless there is some intervention like high heat or chemical treatment of the wood.
   I have used a Tetra Octoborate solution in the past that has been quite effective at preventing infestation and reinfestation. But from past experience I'd have to say Powder Post Beetles prefer wood above 15% or so moisture content (maybe 20%).
   You can tell if your wood is still infested if you look around the wood and see little mounds of fine powdered sawdust (the residue left by new beetles emeging from the wood).

1. 
   eb | Aug 27, 2005 11:31pm | #2

   Ted,

   Thanks for the info. I have seen a few piles of sawdust. Very few. I was told mineral spirits would kill them, I am using a very low viscosity finish of Naptha and Spar varnish,and saturating the wood as much as possible, do you think this would be effective in killing them? The wood is dried to about 10% moisture content. If I need to use theTetra octoborate what the heck is it and where do I find it and how do I apply it?   Thanks again,

                                                                  Ed B

1. 
   ted | Aug 28, 2005 02:57am | #5

   Sealing the wood and finishing could prevent reinfestation but it won't kill whats already in there. I'd also plug any bug holes with wood filler to prevent any new bugs coming out from reentering and laying their eggs. I think you'd have to keep an eye on the wood for quite awhile to plug any new holes as they appear.
   The freezing suggestion sounds like it may work but I've also had bugs survive a Minnesota winter to emerge in the spring and create a new crop of holes. Tetra Octoborate is essentially Borax. It's used to poison a wide range of bugs. It's commonly available in a number of forms. The most cost effective type goes under the product name of TermitePruf made by U.S. Borax. Mix it with water and spray the surface of the material down, let it soak in for about 15 minutes and repeat. I have about 1500 bd ft. in my porch treated with the stuff and have not noticed any bugs for the last 5 years. The insecticide essentially forms a shallow penetrating barrier. Any bugs that come in contact with it and lay their eggs will die off, the lavae from the eggs will start eating the wood but will also soon die off as they ingest the wood laced with the borate. And any bugs in the wood will also die off as they come to the surface and eat the treated wood and will not be able to start another life cycle.

2. 
   MiKro | Aug 28, 2005 12:54am | #3

   Eb,
   If they are still active, and the pieces are not to large to fit in your freezer. Then I would freeze the wood for about 36hrs. This has always worked for me. I have a large chest freezer and 6ft lengths are no problem.

   Just my .02 cents.

   Mike K

1. 
   dukeone | Aug 28, 2005 01:39am | #4

   Mike; What does the wife say about putting wood with bugs in the frezzer? :) KDMKenneth Duke Masters
   The Bill of Rights
   December 15 1791
   NRA Endowment Member
   LEAA Life Member
   CRPA Member

1. 
   MiKro | Aug 28, 2005 05:48am | #6

   Duke,
   She doesn't look in the big freezer, :)))) LOL!!! It's where I keep the venison, wild turkeys, and feral hog. And many times heads and the occasional snakeskin, AAhah!! (Shes afraid of snakes) for mounting.
   LOL!!!!!
   mk

1. 
   dukeone | Aug 28, 2005 04:29pm | #7

   Sounds like a great arrangement and a frezzer full of fun stuff. Ye haw!! :) DukeKenneth Duke Masters
   The Bill of Rights
   December 15 1791
   NRA Endowment Member
   LEAA Life Member
   CRPA Member