Frenchtom Posted September 14, 2017 Report Share Posted September 14, 2017 Hi guys - not sure that this question belongs in Finishing but here it goes: what procedure do you recommend for fumigating the bugs out of furniture? I have a large desk that has termite or carpenter and damage on one leg. The desk is inside a giant plastic bag so that me house does not get infested. Is there anything you recommend putting inside the bag that would kill all bugs say in a week's or month's time? Thanks, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Howe Posted September 14, 2017 Report Share Posted September 14, 2017 Check out your local big box store, or Walmart. They stock several bug bomb varieties that might work for you. Some are specifically for certain bugs. One is for ants. That one might be what you need. I've had good luck with the Spectricide brand for other bugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallpatch Posted September 14, 2017 Report Share Posted September 14, 2017 I've been using Home Defense for ocasional ants we find in the house. I spray it in out of the way places. Can't remember who make it . If its in a plastic bag you need from time to time open the bag and let some dry air in or else you got more problems. It says its safe to use inside the house??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchtom Posted September 14, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2017 Hi guys and thanks. I think I'll go the bug bomb route and also air out the bag once in a while to eliminate condensation issues. I totally forgot about that. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmealy Posted September 15, 2017 Report Share Posted September 15, 2017 I faced this a few years ago. A woman had an (Asian, surprise) end table and there was a bunch of frass (AKA bug poop) all over the floor. I found that there are companies that do this, licensed exterminators, so I passed. I don't think it was that cheap. When storing beehives over the winter, I put them in a garbage bag with paradichorlobenzine moth crystals. It keeps the wax moths at bay. I don't know if it would kill what's in there or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadio Posted September 16, 2017 Report Share Posted September 16, 2017 Boric acid kills all ants. Herb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stick486 Posted September 16, 2017 Report Share Posted September 16, 2017 bug bombs only coat the piece and don't get down into the nests where you really need it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchtom Posted September 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2017 Hi Stick - I figure if I bag the desk and pop the bomb inside it I'll get some penetration into the wood. Thanks, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Posted September 16, 2017 Report Share Posted September 16, 2017 I would start by trying to ID the bug. Then get the appropriate chemical to combat it. And hope it is not powder post beetles... Cal kmealy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnewj Posted September 16, 2017 Report Share Posted September 16, 2017 (edited) Bombs are almost totally useless. A co-worker (who was, also, a licensed exterminator) explained, as Stick mentioned, that it only gets on the exposed surfaces. The chemicals don't get into the "nooks and crannies" where the bugs are hiding. The bombing may only the first step. You, also, need to bait and leave a residual for the eggs that hatch out a week or two later. If you have a do-it-yourself Pest Control store in your area, talk to them and get their advise. They are usually very knowledgeable and helpful. Remember, they have seen it all before. They will know the best way to handle the problem. Edited September 16, 2017 by schnewj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchtom Posted December 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2017 FYI - I made a tent out of plastic wrap, blankets, sleep bags, etc that was all sealed off with the desk inside. I had an electric heater inside that I ran for an hour and a half and got the inside of the tent up to 150F before the heater burned up and then let it sit for another hour or two as it slowly cooled off. According to several internet searches, heat is the only way to reach the inside of the wood and is the most effective and least environmentally damaging. I think several sites said 135 - 140 for an hour. What I did was slight overkill but it did not damage the desk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Howe Posted December 10, 2017 Report Share Posted December 10, 2017 Sounds like you got the job done right. Glad Bill and Stick chimed in before you wasted your time and $$ on my bug bomb idea. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, " The trouble with advice from the internet is that you never know if it's any good." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaLaVee Posted May 14, 2020 Report Share Posted May 14, 2020 I'm wondering, @Frenchtom if you mind following up- did you see a recurrence of termites after taking these measures? Thanks! lew 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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