Dried wood is soaked in a hot preservative solution for two to ten hours, then transferred to a cold solution for one to six hours. Commercial operations can spray or dip lumber to control sapstains, while home applicators can use a paint brush. Surface treatment is inadequate for severe decay conditions. Treatment of Standing Poles, Posts and Beams. Treating wood already in place presents special problems.
Poles are most susceptible to decay near the ground-line.
Alternately, chloropicrin or metam-sodium can be injected into drilled holes which are then plugged with dowels. Wood treatment chemicals are safe if they are handled properly. But because they must remain active for long periods and repel a variety of organisms, they are particularly potent. If improperly used, they can be fatal to humans and animals, and toxic to plants. Chemicals used as solvents, dispersants and surfactants in formulating wood treatment solutions are also often toxic.