Plant extract insecticide for Powder Post Beetle?

[asnor69]

Dear fellow bamboo enthusiasts,

I visited a furniture restoration company in Malaysia. They said that powder post beetle was a thing of the past. They introduced me to a liquid that helped them solve their powder post beetle problem. I was informed that it was a plant extract but declined to reveal the plant name. This plant extract act as deterrant, but not kill the pest. Even infected wood or bamboo can be cured. They dip the infected items in the liquid mixed with water (1 to 10 ratio), then let it dry. Usually the results can be seen within 24 hrs. They let me to buy a little of the liquid after a very hard persuassion.

Anyone with the knowledge of the plant extract that can deter these lovely bugs please enlighten me.

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Asnor69,

It makes sense that if a bug doesn't like another plant, maybe another plant species could be used to mask or protect the susceptible bamboo from the bug.

Product and applications may well depend on the intented purpose - whether it's for isolated control, or for long term preservation.

Could the plant extract be Neem oil (Azadirachta indica or other species ?

Here's a thread about ...
Preserving bamboo with neem pesticide (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1089)

A main concern with any preservatives is if there is any residual toxic effect through handling or breathing of dust during construction procedures.

~ Mark