Ant and Worm Holes

[Rodger]

Just sawed a red oak for a timber frame corner post.  It was full of ant holes.  Question?  If I soak it with borax and water could I still use it?  It's still pretty solid just covered with tiny holes.

[Southside]

How important is it that the structure not have bugs in the future and that it remain standing? 

[beenthere]

Ant holes or decay?

Ants only show up when the wood first decays/rots, and thus wood loses (i.e. lost not loose) strength due to decay.

Borax may stop further decay/rot, but it will not bring back any lost strength of the wood.

Borer holes without rot/decay are usually not of strength-reducing concern.

[Brad_bb]

The ants go to the pith, the center of the tree.  Hardwood beams are boxed heart meaning the pith is at the center.  So you really don't know the extent of it if it's an 8x8. Could be much more than what you can see.  Don't chance it.  Get good solid posts.