PSA: family heirloom had termites

My grandfather in law did oil paintings after retiring like 20 years ago. These paintings were stored in shed, and eventually distributed across the family. Mostly orchids and koi fish. Actually nice paintings.

I made frames in quartersawn cherry for our pair, which was fun because they’re huge paintings: 4x6 feet.

Anyway I noticed some sawdust on the floor beneath one today. Yup, the canvas’ inner frame had termites.

I put a shop light in front of one hole and they just started marching out. Tweezered them right into an alcohol bath. After the eighth I gave up hope. Pulled the staples and set the canvas aside. Sawed the whole beautiful frame into bits, double bagged, and put the trash bin out by the street.

Spent the next couple hours inspecting everything nearby for holes. Have to warn the rest of the family tomorrow.

Stay safe out there.