I collected a few pieces of bamboo to use for toys for my children. (I
thought if I cut it into different lengths it would make a set of ring
shaped "blocks" that they would enjoy.) I let it dry for a year in my
shop and I looked at it yesterday and discovered that it is harboring
little tiny bamboo eating insects. The insects are maybe 1/32 inch in
diameter and in a few places there are holes on the outside of the
bamboo and 1/2 inch tall piles of bamboo dust underneath them. Despite
all the bamboo dust, the bamboo mostly looks OK. I cut it up into
"blocks" as planned, discarding the portions that showed obvious signs
of insect damage. But the bugs may be lurking inside the walls of the
bamboo.

I'm wondering if anybody knows what I can do to kill bugs that might
still be in the bamboo. I'm thinking I need to "cook" the bamboo, but
I'm not sure how long and at what temperature. (Presumably if I apply
too much heat the bamboo will dry too fast and crack.)

I'm also wondering if these bamboo bugs like other woods like maple and
walnut since I'd rather my wood stash not become riddled with small
holes. (I didn't see any little holes in the wood that was underneath
the bamboo.)

Just a SWAG but how about powder post beetles. Bamboo is technically a
grass (IIRC) but
I would guess that they would eat it. Google for how to exterminate
them.

Yes, the sapwood of your hardwood may be in danger. If they are post
beetles, then the heartwood will likely be ok.

hex
-30-


wrote:
I collected a few pieces of bamboo to use for toys for my children. (I
thought if I cut it into different lengths it would make a set of ring
shaped "blocks" that they would enjoy.) I let it dry for a year in my
shop and I looked at it yesterday and discovered that it is harboring
little tiny bamboo eating insects. The insects are maybe 1/32 inch in
diameter and in a few places there are holes on the outside of the
bamboo and 1/2 inch tall piles of bamboo dust underneath them. Despite
all the bamboo dust, the bamboo mostly looks OK. I cut it up into
"blocks" as planned, discarding the portions that showed obvious signs
of insect damage. But the bugs may be lurking inside the walls of the
bamboo.

I'm wondering if anybody knows what I can do to kill bugs that might
still be in the bamboo. I'm thinking I need to "cook" the bamboo, but
I'm not sure how long and at what temperature. (Presumably if I apply
too much heat the bamboo will dry too fast and crack.)

I'm also wondering if these bamboo bugs like other woods like maple and
walnut since I'd rather my wood stash not become riddled with small
holes. (I didn't see any little holes in the wood that was underneath
the bamboo.)