infested product

[tulai]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? texas

i purchased a wooden decorative product from a large well known department store, several months later wood bugs started coming out of it. i had no such problem before and from my research i found out that these type of bugs start off as eggs deeply embedded and take months to grow and start making their way out through holes. i am afraid this might have caused damage to my house, flooring or furniture. Also i need to mention that i also read that this happens in wood that is not properly treated or coated. what can i do to hold this store responsible for damage and pay compensation? i havent contacted them yet as i want to be aware of my rights first.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? texas

i purchased a wooden decorative product from a large well known department store, several months later wood bugs started coming out of it. i had no such problem before and from my research i found out that these type of bugs start off as eggs deeply embedded and take months to grow and start making their way out through holes. i am afraid this might have caused damage to my house, flooring or furniture. Also i need to mention that i also read that this happens in wood that is not properly treated or coated.

Have you identified the bugs that have made their way from your wood product? What kind are they?

 

[justalayman]

What kind of insect is it and what type of wood is it?

Do you still have the product in your home?

 

[tulai]

from appearance compared to my search it is called powderpost but this is not a professional identification. item is still in its place above the mantel as i have just discovered this today because this item is in an room that i rarely use and the mantel is a bit high.

 

[quincy]

from appearance compared to my search it is called powderpost but this is not a professional identification. item is still in its place above the mantel as i have just discovered this today because this item is in an room that i rarely use and the mantel is a bit high.

I recommend you seal up the wood product and contact the Texas Department of Agriculture.

https://www.texasagriculture.gov

You might not have a legal action against the store where you purchased the product if the products were imported from another country and not flagged at the border. It is likely that the store was as oblivious to the bugs in residence as you were.

I hope your mantel is not wood.

 

[tulai]

thanks for your reply, my mantel is not wood but sadly sitting on it is an expensive wooden framed mirror do you think i should still contact the store knowing the piece is imported

 

[quincy]

thanks for your reply, my mantel is not wood but sadly sitting on it is an expensive wooden framed mirror do you think i should still contact the store knowing the piece is imported

Does the bottom of the wood product note a country of origin, by any chance?

I do not see that it would hurt for you to contact the store where you purchased the item to inform them that some (as yet unidentified) bugs are coming from it. This could help the store prevent an infestation of their premises.

I think you need to positively identify the bugs, though, and for this I think the Department of Agriculture (or a local extension service) would be your best contact.