Ants in the locust

[Slacker]

The tree doctor says an "orchard" of locust trees would produce more BTUs per acre per year than any tree species you could possibly plant.

This was a healthy standing tree when I cut it. I had seen these burrows while splitting locust but never saw an insect still inside. I assumed a worm or larve.
Apparently its ants. Too small for carpenters.

The Honey locust is known to have a high silica content. It's not uncommon to see sparks from the chain when bucking it. Its hell on cutter teeth.
I've found the semi chisel style chain holds up to it better than full chisel.

 

[Mikew]

Everybodys gotta live somewhere.

Homewrecker.

lol

 

[Ikarus1]

it happens. I had some cut green pecan wood that someone gave me. I've been killing boring beetles and their larvae all winter long by burning them in the fireplace

I have been given some black locust firewood and you're right, it burns hot. But I'd honestly rather have hickory, white oak, or ash any day due to the hardness on the chainsaw chain that you mentioned. Hickory is bad enough for wearing out chains but those coals are worth it

 

[Mightyox04]

I had the same thing in persimmon wood.

 

[RedneckFur]

If you don't mind dealing with the fruit, and you want HOT burning wood, plant some Osage Orange. I think it may be the hottest burning firewood. Make sure your wood stove or fireplace is up to snuff if you intend to try it.

If that log was from a tree that had been dead for a while, its normal to find some bug holes here and there. Patent leather beetles especially like to bore into old firewood.

 

[cubrock]

Locusts, especially honey locusts, are home to a lot of aphids. The ants set up shop to harvest the honeydew from the aphids. You wanna see some aggressive ants, start messing with the branches with the aphids. Those ants don’t mess around when you are messing with their herd.

 

[Mikew]

Locusts, especially honey locusts, are home to a lot of aphids. The ants set up shop to harvest the honeydew from the aphids. You wanna see some aggressive ants, start messing with the branches with the aphids. Those ants don’t mess around when you are messing with their herd.

Sort of sounds like our gubermnt what with the herd (sheepel) and all, only they ain't really that protective over us.

 

[Bailey Boat]

If you're short on "pets" rick some cut wood against a tree and I guarantee the friggen Chipmunks will show up overnight. I had a 2 year running battle with them little bastards. Cats ran in fear and the dog would just look the other way and pretend she didn't even see them. Finally got them in a trap...

 

[Plott Hound]

I've cut and burned a lot of black locust, and finding ants is expected, and you will get a lot of practice sharpening the chain.

But you can't beat it for heat output.

 

[Gray]

I hoard locust. If I get a bunch of ants while splitting it goes in a pile to the side. A day or two and they move on .I'll usually split with a fire going and if something is infested or punky I toss it in the fire pit.

 

[Gray]

I've had bees come out of hibernation when I brought the wood into the house too. Stored by the stove and warmed up a bit. Wife calls freaking out with a new born in the house....good times.