What is Bugging You?
by Jack Hutslar
About Destructive Bugs
One of the more common complaints about log homes has to do with bugs, specifically carpenter bees and wood bores. Add termites to the list of unwanted pests.
Some insects eat and digest wood. Others create nests by making holes usually in the bottom of beams. Carpenter bees can be very destructive but it extends beyond the holes they leave.
Carpenter bee damage is not confined to log homes. Wood siding and the underside of decks are prime locations for these insects.
Wood bores like the surface of the logs and wood siding. This type of damage can be prevented in new homes with a borate treatment before staining. Bugs that ingest borate treated wood willdie.
Carpenter bees generally invade homes by going up into the bottom of deck and porch beams as well as the roof fascia. They chew up into the wood and then stretch out their lairs laterally leaving telltale sawdust deposits. Once in the wood, they create new baby carpenter bees. Then they all leave their nesting area in the wood BUT return the following season [sometimes twice a year] to do it all over again. It is a life cycle like salmon, the fish.`
Additional carpenter bee problems arises when you do not stop this from happening. That is woodpeckers. They have the unique ability to find [hear] carpenter bee nests in your lovelywood home. Woodpeckers will tear into the wood surface to find this insect larvae for food. The damage they cause can be enormous.
A solution is Bug Juice
Bug Juice insecticide paint additive is designed to kill most crawling and flying insects on interior and exterior surfaces. It eliminates spiders, ants, weevils, cockroaches and even those pesky cockroaches.
Bug Juice is a contact insecticide that I sell. It MUST be mixed in the top coat of the stain or paint you are using. It will kill these pest in a short time [It is not harmful to people and pets]. The insecticide is absorbed through their sticky pads. The standard Bug Juice treatment is good for around three years. Lightly wash down your home after each pollen, dust and dirt season. Bugs must be able to connect the treated wood for it to be effective.
Bug Juice may not mix with a few paints and stains. In order for it to work properly an additive may be needed. This catalyst is either Penetrol or Floetrol from Flood.
Here is a note about termites. A termite treatment is usually mandated for new construction jobs. If not, get it done. Call a local exterminator.
Added Suggestion: Stack all fireplace wood at least 50 feet from your home. Large stacks of wood on your porch is inviting these insects.
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