Process kills larvae living in wooden packaging

H&H Wood Products has started using a pallet kiln, which reduces insect infestation that has been traced to wooden packages from foreign countries.

H&H president William K. Heussler, of Amherst, said using the kiln meets the export requirements of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures for international trade.

The process of heat-treating solid-wood packaging eliminates bugs and larvae that may be living in the lumber. The international standard is now required for solid wooden packaging that is coming in, and going out, of the United States.

"We have been able to service the export requirements for our customers for several years. By taking advantage of the new technology and increased capacity, we are now able to provide faster turnaround," Heussler said.

H&H Wood Products is based in Hamburg.