I've read that powder post beetle eggs can remain dormant for up to 12 years. The picture is some soft maple I had stored in a shed. Note that there are very few exit holes. So a few exit holes can mean miles of trails. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2022/08/08/avoid-bringing-home-the-powderpost-beetles-from-yard-and-estate-sales/#:~:text=These pests are active all,be reinfested year after year.This is so interesting. I have a kiln, but suspect many don’t and use the good old paper bag method as I did for years. I don’t remember any problem with insects using the paper bag method. From my understanding insects need moisture to survive. I think insects need moisture to survive and once the wood is dry they dye. I built my kiln for quicker drying, not really for killing insects. I guess killing insects is a bonus. I do four cycles using my kiln. Start slow 90-100F with a pan of water for 7 days, 100-120F for 7 days, 120-130F for 7 days, and 130-140F for 7 days. I keep it on the last cycle until I have two 3 day reading the same. A little over a month. Now I have no idea if my internal temperature reaches the 133F as described by the USDA. Mostly bowls, but some blanks. However, I don’t expect there are any live insects once my wood is dry in my kiln. Is this a big problem experienced by many that I am not aware of?
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