So I had sadness happen. I have not been able to do much wood working hobby wise because of having to repair house issue. I did however have to cut some trees last year and i was like Yeah!!! lathe wood. Sadly termites (I believe) got to the wood. It was under a over hang and they must have gotten to it over the winter. So my question may be a bit silly bit how do any of you protect your wood from such things? Here in the south we have all types of wood happy insects. I do not know what other places have but here they can be quite savage. I lost a whole pile of Cedar, Holly and Apple (apple was given to me when in fell). thanks for your replies in advance! I didnt really want to use harsh chemicals on it since i would be working with it but I have now qualms doing it if it will save the wood i am seasoning and does not affect the work later. I have new wood to save so do not want the same thing happening again.

P.s.

It did not rot and dried nicely but was full of holes.

Edited April 22, 20188 yr by Lissa Hall

I find processing it into turning blanks and storing it inside is the best cure.  Insects seem to really enjoy the fresh wet wood the best.  Make sure the donor tree is insect free.

Sadly I am not sure if i have enough room in shop. lol i may need a bigger box.:) I may have to build a small enclosure for wood then or something.

 

Edited April 22, 20188 yr by Lissa Hall

Use the holes to your advantage! Turn the piece and just allow the holes to be extra added attractions!!

 

These are NOT my turnings but an example of what can be done-

 

http://www.healing-arts.org/edric/woodturnings-156.htm

Lissa, insect holes in wood are natures way of providing you with design opportunities. 

While it won't kill insects within the wood, a Borax and water solution sprayed on all surfaces will deter further infestations. 5 1/2 Tblspoons to a pint of water will do the trick.

Edited April 22, 20188 yr by Gene Howe

Here's another thought-

https://woodbarter.com/threads/killing-bugs-in-your-wood.9390/

 

 

Mesquite can sometimes contain lots of grubs...bigguns... The saw kills 'em. What the saw misses, the planer usually gets.

BTW, that Boric acid treatment will also repel the rot causing microbes.

ammonia vapor will kill the insects...

49 minutes ago, Stick486 said:

ammonia vapor will kill the insects...

And, also darken tannin rich woods. The pure stuff really works well for killing and darkening. Use non metal bowls, though.

Thanks guys for the info. sadly i  already burned the old wood. but know better for next time. oops. and thanks again!!

You can store outside for a time you just have to take precautions. I do not think insects are any worse in NC than here in MS. Store wood off the ground either in treated lumber , concrete, or metal. Seal the ends as soon as it is cut . Cover with a tarp (leaving room for circulation) or metal (weighted down with concreteblocks or heavy rocks). This should save it till you get a chance to work with it next time. When you have wood in ground contact it invites the beasties in for a free meal.

any thoughts on the ole mothballs?

 

1 hour ago, Lissa Hall said:

any thoughts on the ole mothballs?

 

Sure- what do you have in mind???

I use moth balls around the house to keep critters out from under the house but I am just keeping four legged models from under there..

   Thinking about about the insect type, yes,moth balls would maybe work there also but I wouldn't be able to get close to the wood later smelling that way!!

 

I think Home Defense brand of insecticide might help you out by spraying the wood with it then letting it dry but you have to do that so the wood won't rot in the process.....This stuff can be used inside the home. But now you say you don't have a place to store the wood but you do need to keep it indoors somehow or else outside is where the critters are living...

  You might just stop using the bathroom and store the wood in there......Or if it is more to your liking, try the bedroom instead of the bathroom cause one could always sleep in the tub or shower......

Well her was just an idea. Remember my grandparents using them for different things. Didn't think about the smell though lol. Thought maybe would help ke bugs out of wood that was store outside. But I did like stuff made from wood that was posted that bugs got to... It was just a random idea I had yesterday.

From my experience, the bugs like those boards which still have bark attached.

Sawdust and glue.... Keep the holes....