I haven't had the talk with our cabin yet -- the one about protection. Using locust beneath it and building a good overhang on the roof will help. But it being high summer, I've grown anxious to prevent any initial fungus, rot, or invasion of pests. So, last week, my seven-foot-tall neighbor, Eric (
second picture here), came over from his adjacent branch of our holler with an extension ladder to help me string up a 40x20 foot tarp, hung like a kite to drain water, high enough to build our roof under its shelter. Pictures soon -- it was an adventure, and I'm grateful.
Also, I sprayed the logs with this, recommended by John at
Schroeder Log Home Supply -- he was very helpful, and their website and print catalogue are excellent resources:
And I'm very curious to know what kind of small beetle or insect is causing these tiny tubes of sawdust to protrude from some of the logs, like ash on the end of a cigarette. It had to have just invaded, because we cut them in June. I'm not worried, but if the Penetreat doesn't get them then I'll have to figure out how to address it.
Readers -- can you help me identify the problem?
My friend Tobias Miller, Trails Facility Manager with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, thinks it is a pinhole borer or ambrosia borer.
ReplyDeletehe said, "Not to worry for structural issues."
So I'm feeling OK about it. The boric acid will probably get 'em, or at least interrupt their gestation cycle and prevent another infestation.