What are Pinholes?
We refer to the holes that you may see in the timber as pinholes (see Fig. 1 below). They are caused by the Ambrosia or Pinworm beetle which lays its larvae in the timber, causing the hole. This can happen when trees are felled and lay on the floor of the forest. Once the trees are lifted and transported the Larvae/Beetle will perish.
Pinholes can be recognised by the clean-cut circular holes, which can vary in diameter form 0.5-3mm according to species of beetle, and sections of usually dark stained tunnels, free of bore dust running mainly across the grain. The beetles are rarely seen.
Impact
The presence of these holes in scattered groups has no significant effect upon the strength of the timber for structural use. When timber is weathered, pinholes typically cannot be seen, it is more noticeable in freshly planed timber. Pinhole is not a defect and requires no treatment.
Remedial treatment
No treatment necessary as these insects die out when the timber is dried and leaves the forest climate.
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