Question
Before owning a mill, I thought that ambrosia beetle infested wood was somewhat of a rarity. It seems that every maple log I have found so far has been infested by the ambrosia beetle. Does the beetle continue to work in the log once the tree has been cut, or does the tree have to be alive? Has anyone experienced more activity after Anchorsealing the logs and letting them rest for a few weeks before cutting? I figure the more, the merrier, when it comes to this beautiful feature.
Forum Responses
(Sawing and Drying Forum)
From Professor Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor:
The insect that carries in the ambrosia fungus on its feet into the wood (the fungus is food for the insect's offspring when they hatch) prefers wood that is not soaking wet, but that has begun to dry. It will not infect dry wood.
