[Cob] insects

[Quinn]

Boric acid powder 'puffed' into the holes will stop carpenter bees in wood (don't know what's getting into your cob, Patrick).  The problem is that other bees will just make new holes.  There's really no way to stop them -you can't stop nature- but just being somewhat attentive will keep your structure around for a good long time, they're not voracious like termites.

Ants will live in your walls for the winter or in your crawl space so just trying to stop them from an entryway won't exactly get them.  However boric acid, again, will work fairly well, as will diatoemaceous earth sprinkled in their path.

Caution though!  While these two powders are relatively benign compared to toxic chemicals and pesticides and there is relatively minor concern about ingesting them (in minute amounts), breathing them in is a whole 'nother story!  They work on our mucus membranes the same way they work on insects soft spots-- they are an irritant.  With insects this means death (diatoms lodge in the ectoskeleton and prevent it from shutting -the insect dries out, essentially, with DE.  Boric acid is also a desiccant, though I'm not sure how exactly it works) with humans (or pets) this may mean emphysema or silicosis or something on down the line.  

Always wear a mask when you're dusting, throw the powder in places where it won't get stirred up and where pets can't get at it.

Sorry -not exactly cob-- Public Service Announcement.

Quinn