I have a few pieces of beautiful fallen wood that is full holes (and likely bugs) that I am going to use for a project. It's not green wood but is wet from rain and lying on the ground. How can I make sure that the bugs don't follow me indoors?
First thing you need to do is get it off the ground and out of the rain. If it's sitting on wet ground, it is absorbing moisture and most likely starting to rot. After you get some real drying going on, then you can start worrying about the critters.
Assuming it holds together, that is. Also, you might want to slab it now, it will speed the drying process. Just make sure you sticker it when you stack it to dry. One other thing, since you think it has active bugs, don't stack it in your shop or with any wood you value.
Deb
Yes I am drying it. But how to get rid of the bugs?
Same way you get rid of termites in a building.
"Tent" the stack and then set off a ternite bug bomb.
Wait 2 days.
Lew
Freeze it for 2 months at 0F.
Heat will kill 'em and the eggs. Most kiln drying schedules finish off with a few hours at/above 180 F (82 C), which is achievable with a homebrew steam box.
The insects will crawl out before it reaches that temperature, but you need to kill the eggs, too (powder-post beetle is a particular concern).
Hello,
First, do not bring the wood into your shop or home. I am not sure if you can treat green/wet wood but check out:
Good Luck.
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