Bamboo Furniture for Your Porch May Come with an Unexpected Surprise
- M.J. Design
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
A recent incident in Butler County has shown that bamboo furniture, often purchased for outdoor use, may come with an unwelcome guest. A resident bought bamboo furniture from an online surplus store and noticed small holes in the pieces. Concerned, they contacted the local Pest Diagnostic Clinic, which took immediate action. The furniture was double-bagged and sent to the county’s extension office for further investigation.
At first glance, the damage seemed minor—just a few small holes. However, upon closer inspection, experts discovered something more alarming. The underside of the bamboo had been completely reduced to powder by beetles. The thick paint on the furniture had trapped the beetles inside, preventing them from escaping.
The pests were identified as bamboo powder post beetles, an invasive species that feeds on bamboo and other wood products. These beetles can cause significant damage if not detected and controlled early.
To avoid similar issues, it is important to inspect bamboo and other wood products carefully when purchasing from retail stores or online sellers. If you suspect that the furniture or wood products you’ve purchased might be infested, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Ohio for assistance. By staying vigilant, you can ensure your outdoor furniture and plants remains pest-free and safe for use.
To read more about things happening in Ohio go to Buckeye Yard and Garden at www.bygl.osu.edu.
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