Way back in episode 1 of A Moment of Tiki I discussed how I torch bamboo that I've harvested myself. Since then, I've learned that bamboo mites are a serious problem in some parts of the U.S. where bamboo grows naturally, and flame treating at home normally doesn't get the bamboo hot enough to kill all the mites or their eggs. Fortunately, folks in Asia have been using bamboo for centuries and have devised methods to kill these insects and ward off infestation by soaking the bamboo in a solution of borax and boric acid. A bonus of this is that the treatment makes bamboo toxic to other wood-boring insects such as the dreaded powder post beetle and termites. It also offers some protection from mold and fungus. Sounds great to me! Here's the recipe I've found online at https://bamboou.com/treating-bamboo-in-your-backyard/
BORAX TREATMENT
3.5 Gallons warm water (13.5 liters)
2 lbs. Borax (.9 kg)
1.3 lbs. Boric acid (.6 kg)
Combine the borax, boric acid and warm water in a bucket. Stir until dissolved. The solution is mildly toxic to people and animals, so don't let any pets drink it and wash it off if any splatters on you. It is quite toxic to wood-boring insects, so soaking bamboo or other wood in the solution will offer significant protection from those creepy-crawlies.
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