Termites

[gatorbuff15]

Just bought some wood almost positive it doesn’t have termites, but want to make sure that it doesn’t get termites in the future. So what is the best way to prevent termites in your wood stack?

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Use it.

Seriously, use some cinder blocks to elevate the stack of wood off the ground about a foot.
You could also pre-treat the ground under your wood stack before elevating it.
I probably don't need to say this, but I will. Do not spray the wood stack.

 

[Steve H]

Everybody I know just stack the wood about 12" off the ground on cement or steel racks.

 

[gatorbuff15]

It has some ants in it, but it’s fine to use the wood with the bugs in it, right?

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

It will burn just fine.
But, if it really bugs you, you could treat the pile with food grade diatomaceous earth.

 

[Steve H]

It has some ants in it, but it’s fine to use the wood with the bugs in it, right?

If it isn't free of any insects, mold, or other growth. Then I would not use it for smoking.

 

[Steve H]

It will burn just fine.
But, if it really bugs you, you could treat the pile with food grade diatomaceous earth.

Perhaps. But would that remove the little corpses of bugs?

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Perhaps. But would that remove the little corpses of bugs?

Well, their corpses would be dessicated so they'll burn right up.

 

[Steve H]

I'll ask again. Does this chase off the bugs. Or kill them on the spot?

Well, their corpses would be dessicated so they'll burn right up.

And into the smoke you're using for your food. Perhaps I'm being a tad delicate. But, I'll pass.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

It is twofold.
If the D. E. is applied directly to the wood pile, it will kill the ants nesting inside the wood.
When the D.E. is spread around the perimeter of the wood pile, the ants that leave the nest to forage will come into contact with the D.E. and won't make it back to the nest.

 

[kruizer]

Whats wrong with a little protein in the fire? May add some flavor to the smoke.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

And into the smoke you're using for your food. Perhaps I'm being a tad delicate. But, I'll pass.

I will guarantee that if you knew what all the FDA has determined what are acceptable contaminants in peanut butter, you would never eat store bought again.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Whats wrong with a little protein in the fire? May add some flavor to the smoke.

Heck, folks eat chocolate covered ants and grasshoppers and...well, you get the picture.

 

[Bearcarver]

Everybody I know just stack the wood about 12" off the ground on cement or steel racks.

Yup---^^^^ That.
The termites need a channel to move within.
If there isn't any, they can't get up to your "off the ground" Wood.

Bear

 

[phathead69]

I don't use molded wood but have split wood and found a wood boring insect or three. Never even hesitated to use it.

 

[HalfSmoked]

Are you sure you have ants (adult form of a termite) or do you already have termites?

Warren

 

[chopsaw]

I will guarantee that if you knew what all the FDA has determined what are acceptable contaminants in peanut butter, you would never eat store bought again.

Not just peanut butter , but that's a big one . Shell peanuts is another . Most labels for this type of stuff will list 2 sources of protein . The one that says from " other " is usually from bug parts .

 

[motolife313]

A vapor barrier will help like this plastic sheet I got from Home Depot then free wood pallets. That’s what I do. That’s all cooking wood

 

[Steve H]

I will guarantee that if you knew what all the FDA has determined what are acceptable contaminants in peanut butter, you would never eat store bought again.

I've been working in the food and beverage industry for years. And, while I recognize. And know what you are saying. That doesn't mean I'll add to it if I have a choice.