How can timber importation affect timber pest infestations?

Sep 16
17:18

2021

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin

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We can all agree that timber is a vital resource for the construction and furniture industries. However, when imported timber becomes more accessible than domestic wood, it can have some negative consequences.

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https://www.myhomeinspection.com.au/timber-pest-inspection-services.php 

Timber pests are microscopic organisms that feed on the sapwood of trees (live or dead). They can be transported through both live plants and by-products in shipments of untreated wood such as logs,How can timber importation affect timber pest infestations? Articles bark chips or sawdust. These pests will infest valuable hardwoods especially if they are stored in an unheated warehouse during winter months or left outdoors to dry after being harvested from wet sites. 

 

The spread of timber pests has been attributed to the importation of tropical hardwoods. However, any wood imported from another country can harbour these destructive creatures as well. In order to prevent infestation by timber pests it is important that you use only inspected and certified lumber for construction projects or furniture manufacturing. If possible, try to purchase live plants locally so they are not shipped in untreated logs or bark chips which may carry insects and diseases like oak wilt across border lines with them. Finally apply a natural protective coating (e.g., wax) on raw lumber before using it indoors since most pest-control treatments contain dangerous chemicals that should be avoided if at all possible.

 

The importation of wood may cause the infestation by timber pests such as oak borers and powderpost beetles which are known for causing extensive damage to trees, homes, and other wooden structures. 

 

A timber pest inspection in Sydney can help you detect pests before they cause significant damage. A trained inspector will find traces of insect activity in the sapwood that is shown through honeycomb patterns or discoloration on a tree trunk's surface from boring holes with their ovipositors. Borer-infested logs could also be detected by means of borings visible inside drilled holes into a log’s centre.