I recently moved a one hundred year old barn.I have the timbers stacked up and covered with tarps. The rain has got under the tarp and got a few timbers wet. At these wet spots I have found hundreds of little brown ants about 1/4" long and little piles of very very fine saw dust. Can any one tell me what this is? I can't see any other insects. Should I isolate these timbers from the rest? John.

John:
I'm no bug expert, but if these bugs weren't in the timbers then maybe the wet wood attracted them. If they were in the wood then maybe the wet wood drove them out. In either case why wouldn't you separate them from your other timbers? If they are being driven out by the rain or by you or your exterminator then they will be looking for someplace to go. I'm sure you don't want them in your other timbers, do you?
Separate, exterminate your bugs, dry, and keep dry your timbers. As was stated before only wet wood rots. Good luck, Jim
PS. let us know how you made out.

[This message has been edited by J Rogers (edited 08-02-2001).]

[This message has been edited by J Rogers (edited 08-02-2001).]