How to treat borer beetles in firewood?

[DianaT]

I have discovered that some of my firewood (stored in sacks) is infested with borer beetle laeve.  What is the best way to treat this or should I just incenterate the infested bags?

[EricL]

Hello @DianaT 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about borer beetles.

For your safety, please do not ever spray firewood with a chemical spray. If the firewood is burned indoors with a spray on them it will produce toxic fumes which could be harmful and dangerous.

I would not recommend bringing in the infested firewood into the house. There is always the possibility that the infestation might transfer over to your wooden furniture. I recommend just using that firewood for outdoor use only.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @DianaT 

In would look at seeing if you can kill the lave with an insecticide, then allow it to weather again before burning. In the meantime maybe seperate out any unaffected timbers for use.

Nailbag 

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @DianaT 

Bugger 😕

I suppose the first question really should be, is it a current infestation or an old one that has been chopped up? Can you see bettles or larve?

If its a live infestation, I would suggest to get rid of it, as its summer atm there is a fair chance you wont be able to burn it so would check your local council to see if they accept it in timber/green waste.

Second option, drown it. Bin full of water and throw the firewood in. Not sure if it would work but will stop it spreading until you can source a solution.

Dave