powder post beetle

[johnstory]

I have a stack of poplar drying that's about 7 months along. I recently brought some into the shop to check moisture and see how it looks planed. Much to my dismay, it has powder post beetle damage which appears to be fresh. I went back out and checked a stack of red oak drying adjacent to the poplar and it has some sign of the beetles, too. What do I do? I have other stacks of walnut, maple, oak not too far away, plus my building is frame. I'm talking a couple thousand board feet.

 

[Ken Massingale]

Welcome John.

There was a discussion on this a few days ago, do a search..

I personally wouldn't use high strength ammonia which was suggested in that thread, accidents or careless use could be bad.

I have read of several WW'ers having good success with Timbor and Boracare, both of which are relatively safe to use.

Google 'Powderpost Beetle control', there are several kinds of the critters.

Good luck

 

[Tarhead]

I would take the Oak and Poplar to be sterilized in a kiln. That much lumber would be hard to treat with a fumigant and surface application would be questionably effective. Walnut should not be affected by them. If you are seeing signs in your Pine framing call an exterminator. If not consider spraying a Boric Acid prophylaxis on your wooden structure. I sprayed Boracare (Boric Acid Powder http://www.nisuscorp.com/portal/page/portal/Nisus ) disolved in water with a garden sprayer on my framing when I built my shed to prevent boring insects. 3 years and no problems with bees or beetles...and I had some Oak which turned out to be infested with PP beetles stored in there. Got it at a DIY pest treatment online store but you can also find it at your local John Deer store. Kyle Edwards is the closest kiln I know of.

 

[Kalai]

Hi John, I hate those little bugs don't you. We have them here in Hawaii too. They mostly go for the wood that is green or fresh cut, I think it has somthing to do with the sugar in the sap but that is just a guess, I have noticed that after the moisture from the wood is gone then they will leave it alone so like Tarhead said your best bet is to have it kiln dried, some termite companies will come out and throw a tent over your wood and fumigate it for you, I hope you succeed, aloha.

Chris "Kalai"