Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/5/2005

Question
Someone gave my son an antique cabinet made in Mexico.  The piece is nice, but one section has black worm eaten wood.  Should I keep the piece and treat it or get it out of my house?  Could the bugs be termites instead of worms?  The insects have left black lines carved into the wood.  Thanking you in advance,

PCusack

Answer
Hi Pam
Nice to hear from you.
My first thought on reading your letter was these bugs are Powder Post Beetles until you mentioned the insects left black lines.
My experience with Powder Post Beetles is they leave holes rather than lines.
Termites I understand do leave lines, but I find it odd they would attack a piece of furniture but I guess a meal is a meal LOL.
So yes Pam I would get this piece out of my house now.
Then you could treat it yourself if this piece would fit in a large plastic bag that could be sealed after fumigation. I think the chemical should be available for use.
If you cannot get the chemical then you will have to resort to a professional exterminator.
Also Pam you will need to treat with the chemical more than once to ensure that any larve that may have hatched are destroyed. The instructions will come with the chemical.
Personally though Pam, I would destroy the piece by burning. I just would not take the chance.
Hope this helps
Kindest Regards
Eileen