The boring insects common in the Midwest are carpenter ants or bees and powderpost beetles. Most times these insects don’t do structural damage, but they may indicate a problem with rot.

THE PROBLEM

These types of wood boring insects are a symptom more than a problem in themselves. Carpenter ants and powderpost beetles love to eat wet, soft wood! By getting rid of the rot/moisture problem, the bugs will have no food source and will leave or die back.

Termites, on the other hand, can do extensive damage to wood that is not rotting. If you suspect you have termites, contact a local professional exterminator to help assess the problem and come up with a plan to get rid of them.

THE SOLUTION

Once it is determined that, indeed, there is rot, the first step is to remove the rotten part of the log. Edmunds & Company has been doing this type of log home repair for over 40 years and, at this point, can say confidently that we have replaced logs in almost any place in a home from top to bottom.

We use Western Cedar logs that have been kiln dried as our replacement logs. This is of particular importance when we replace whole logs because it ensures that the new logs in the wall will not shrink and cause problems with the floor, roof and foundation. We use cedar primarily because of its resistance to rot.

BORATE TREATMENT ON LOGS

For decades, borate wood preservatives have successfully been used to protect log homes from wood-boring insects.

Borate can be used as a preventative measure:

• Should only be applied to raw wood (newly built log homes or after a home has been blasted)
• Does not interfere with the application of a quality stain

Borate can be used as a remedial treatment when bugs are present

• A concentrated formula can be injected into the holes

Click for more information on borate treatment.

If you have insects in your log home, contact us. Or call 715-373-5744