Replies

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Nov 21, 2006 01:57am | #1

   If you a sure it it termites, I don't think there is any problem. Termites live in the soil, create tunnels to wood and take the spoils back to the colony.

   http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2092.html (GO BUCKS!)

1. 
   tinkerer2 | Nov 21, 2006 06:15am | #5

   We northerners usually think of the subterranean termite which must have contact with the soil.  That is not true of all termites as those of Florida or such climate which can just walk into your house and start chewing on a table leg.  It has been well over fifty years since I have studied entomology so have forgotten the details but I would remain cautious.  

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 21, 2006 04:22am | #2

   What do the holes look like, and how big are they?  I'd guess it's more likely to be beetles than termites.  I have read (but would not like to test with my hardwood stack) that the beetles tend to infect the same type of wood they came from originally.  For instance, beetles living in pine wouldn't be likely to take up residence in a bunch of walnut.  But as I said, I'd rather not test that statement.

   Re: termites, there are also what are called "dry wood termites" which do not have to have ground contact to "infect" a house.  I know, 'cause I had 'em once.  They are the kind of termite that requires the house to be wrapped in a big plastic bag, and gassed with some stuff (memory lapse) that is incredibly lethal, like 16 parts per billion.  Does the job, though, LOL.

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

3. 
   cadiddlehopper | Nov 21, 2006 04:48am | #3

   Per previous posts: do make certain what the pest was or is. I had a powder post beetle infestation. They liked more than one species of wood also. Those are very durable bugs! Multiple treatments with borates seems to have them under control. The real problem is that they can pupate years later, so I must be vigilant. Consult a local pest control service to be certain of what you must do. LOL!!

   Cadiddlehopper

   
   

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   Edited 11/20/2006 8:51 pm ET by cadiddlehopper

4. 
   t4two | Nov 21, 2006 04:58am | #4

   So far from what you guys and gals have said, my problem could be beetles.Termites leave comb like tracks and what I have are black pin holes.Sounds like it should be relatively safe.I will lay a tarp down when I am working on it and dispose of the parts and dust that are infested. Thanks.

1. 
   tinkerer2 | Nov 21, 2006 06:24am | #6

   "black pin holes"  That sound like the powder post beetle.  I wouldn't under take bringing them into the shop until I was sure they were killed.  Ask some one in the entomology dept of a nearby college or contact an exterminator.  One way of telling is let it set for a while and see if there is any more powder produced. 

5. 
   Floss | Nov 21, 2006 07:18am | #7

   If you have active beetles then get some insecticide. I use a product called fongix. It is a water based product that is applied with a sponge and can also be injected into the exit holes.

   If you have beetles you wont know until spring when they usually are ready to leave and find some place to lay their eggs and start the process all over. Some beetles will tunnel for up to two years before leaving their woody home. So it can be difficult to tell if you have any active ones in your piece.

   The bug killer is about $25 - $30 for a pint which is plenty for your needs. If you treat now do so again in the spring as well.

   J.P.

   http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com
6. 
   Yogi | Nov 21, 2006 07:37am | #8

   Whatever they are, couldn't you tent it with a tarp or something and run in a hose from your exhaust pipe?

1. 
   Troy | Nov 21, 2006 07:26pm | #9

   Just don't sit inside the tent.