Harvesting bamboo with insect holes

[Scott]

When preserving bamboo, I've read it's wise not to harvest bamboo with insect holes. The problem is all the 3-5 yr old bamboo I see (D. Asper), appears to have insect holes, although it's only a few.

I was wondering what damage these insects could do post harvest? If the culms were treated with borax, would it kill them? Or should culms like this not be harvested at all?

[CaroleMeckes]

Scott - that is a good question.

When preserving bamboo, I've read it's wise not to harvest bamboo with insect holes. The problem is all the 3-5 yr old bamboo I see (D. Asper), appears to have insect holes, although it's only a few.

I was wondering what damage these insects could do post harvest? If the culms were treated with borax, would it kill them? Or should culms like this not be harvested at all?
Over time the bamboo with holes may prove inferior, but if that is all you have to work with - you may have to risk it and take the attitude that your structure may not last as long as you hoped it would.

That holes mean that the beetles have exited the bamboo -
If they are still inside the bamboo - I do not know...

I am not expert at all on this topic.

Carole

[Scott]

Carole,

Many thanks for your answer. The bamboo is D. Asper and will be used for a house, so it's durability is important.

The plantations are on the edge of tropical rainforest, so there are plenty of insects. I shall look closer and maybe able to find undamaged culms, it's also possible that only the lowest part of the culm is affected.

Hopefully I can find the answers to my very specific questions. There seems to be plenty of general information on construction, but very little specific. This will have to be overcome if bamboo before bamboo is accepted.

Housing is all about being secure, the last thing ppl want is the possibility of invasion!

[Scott]

I should add that the insect holes are very small, only big enough for termites or ants to go thru.

[bhoffman67]

How could a small hole possibly be a bad thing? It appears to me that unless a significant portion of the wall of any chamber is removed (i.e. drilling or cutting a hole), the tube remains structurally intact.

Additionally, I currently have an experiment underway that questions the ability of a small hole 1/8th" in each chamber to allow for water to escape and thus remove the likelihood of splitting.

Has anyone else tried venting their chambers to help alleviate splitting?

[Scott]

How could a small hole possibly be a bad thing? It appears to me that unless a significant portion of the wall of any chamber is removed (i.e. drilling or cutting a hole), the tube remains structurally intact.


I agree that a small insect hole doesn't necessarily mean there is structural damage. The question was posted as one of the guidelines for harvesting poles to be treated say 'only take culms with no signs of insect holes'. In my area it is a little difficult to find mature poles like this'.

Additionally, I currently have an experiment underway that questions the ability of a small hole 1/8th" in each chamber to allow for water to escape and thus remove the likelihood of splitting.

Has anyone else tried venting their chambers to help alleviate splitting?

This is an interesting idea and I look forward to hearing the results. If the holes aren't sealed after drying, they will facilitate entry of pests. So this may be worth taking into consideration.