Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 11/14/2009

Question
Hi,

I purchased six "Country French Chairs" and all seem to be infested with wood boring beetles. There are active holes at legs of each chair with frazz as evidence of active colonies. QUESTION – What do I do to rid them of insects.? they have rush seats and otherwise are in good condition. They are probably from the 30s.  I tried to return them to original owner for refund but was unsuccessful. Thanks. Laura  

Answer
Sorry for your problem.
 First, I hope you don't have them in your home if the beetles are active. If you do, I would suggest you store them somewhere else as soon as possible till the situation is resolved.
 You have several options. First, you can make a makeshift tent with plastic sheeting that the chairs will fit into sealing it with tape and weights on the bottoms. Place the chairs inside and set off one of the house "bombs" for bugs available in home improvement stores.once "bombed", you will still need to look for telltale "sawdust" for a while.
The other choice is to see if in your area any pest control companies have a room that they treat items in. If not, ask if they would be willing to place your chairs in a house they may be tenting for a small charge. One of the last two is probably the best and easiest.
Once your sure there is no more droppings, you can putty up the holes and stain.
 Good luck with your chairs,
   Rob
  http://www.andersonsrestorations.com