What is the recommended method for treating wood that is infested with bark beetles?

Burning is considered a recommended method for treating wood infested with bark beetles due to its effectiveness in eliminating both the adult insects and their larvae. This method is particularly useful in managing severe infestations, as it ensures that the pests are completely eradicated and prevents any possibility of them spreading to other, healthy wood in the surrounding area.

The combustion process not only destroys the insects but also eliminates any egg masses that could lead to future infestations. It is also important to consider that many beetle species can survive for some time in untreated wood, making burning a more immediate and effective solution.

In contrast, sealing with paint may not adequately address the infestation if the beetles are already inside the wood, as it does not penetrate deeply enough to eliminate them. Similarly, injecting insecticide can be complex and may not reach all infested areas effectively, leaving behind some insects that can cause further damage. Freezing is less practical, as it requires maintaining specific temperatures for extended periods and is not commonly used for larger pieces of infested wood. Therefore, burning is a straightforward, reliable method to ensure complete removal of bark beetles from infested wood.