balsa wood

Balsa Wood Pinholes

Balsa bugs that burrow their way through the balsa cause random balsa pinholes. These holes in larger sections do not seem to hinder the strength of the balsa. However if you have a small stick it will weaken the balsa. Fortunately it is easy to spot the holes and you can cut around them. Many times the holes have a black tint on their edges making them look bigger than they are. The bigger balsa bug trails are caused by a different bug does much more damage due to its larger diameter and very random burrowing pattern. Sometimes there is a dark brown stain around the hole left by this bigger bug. All balsa has been kiln dried and fumigated before leaving for the US so the bugs have been stopped in their tracks.