chalk-like substance on wood

[tmbillig]

I've been seeing a chalk-like powder on the firewood stacked in my back yard. I took a stiff brush to the wood and it brushed off ok, but very powdery and is some pieces, found clumps of the chalk-like substance. What could that be? I typically have the wood pile covered with a tarp.

[Scottpat]

I've been seeing a chalk-like powder on the firewood stacked in my back yard. I took a stiff brush to the wood and it brushed off ok, but very powdery and is some pieces, found clumps of the chalk-like substance. What could that be? I typically have the wood pile covered with a tarp.

Did you taste it?

[Jim Katen]

I've been seeing a chalk-like powder on the firewood stacked in my back yard. I took a stiff brush to the wood and it brushed off ok, but very powdery and is some pieces, found clumps of the chalk-like substance. What could that be? I typically have the wood pile covered with a tarp.

Sounds like typical beetle damage. Burn up the wood this winter and start with fresh wood next year.