Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered a method for treating infested logs that could eliminate the threat of transporting emerald ash borers and long horned beetles. The chemical used to fumigate wood is methyl bromide. Use of this ozone-depleting material is severely restricted but is currently permitted for the quarantine and pretreatment of logs.

The vacuum and steam method took less than half the time and 25 percent less energy than the existing 140-degree, 60-minute heat treatment required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture before wood can be moved off site. The study was the top wood industry report this week.