Thanks,
X.

First, it is not possible to judge if you have high quality or low quality wood based on whether insects are present or not. Most all wood is susceptible to insects; hardwood flooring is particularly vulnerable and though oak is strong, it's rare that any home installation of wood floors won't show some insect activity old or new. So if you like the look and the company is reputable, I'm sure they used a good grad of wood as it's hard to mask or get away with using anything less when it comes to good quality wood flooring.

As for the holes you see; you didn't mention if the activity appears to be new or old. This is important. As mentioned in our POWDERPOST BEETLE CONTROL ARTICLE, wood flooring will many times include some cut of the tree which experienced insect activity at some point. But in most cases this activity is old and only adds to the "character" of the flooring. However, if you are seeing sawdust piling up on the floor as well as live insects, there would be cause for concern. Since most any wood floor will have some "holes" in random locations it's not unusual for some to be seen. But just how many do you see that look the same size and are they only now appearing? Also, do they look like they were finished over and that something is drilling through the finish the installing company applied?

Additionally, the quantity of activity you're seeing is important. Are we talking about 1-2 holes or 5-10? Again, this will all factor into the decision making process when the problem is assessed.

Provide more details and I may be able to further assist. But my instinct is telling me you may be looking at either old damage or a very finite few insects that are involved and in the end will die out and disappear. In either case no action would be worth the ordeal of replacing or treating since this is tedious and time consuming. But if have 10 or more holes with more appearing daily, some kind of action like the options we have detailed in the WOOD FLOOR TREATMENT section of our article may be warranted.

Here are direct links to the information I mentioned above:

http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control

http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control#wood_floor_beetle_treatment

This is entirely up to you. The wood definitely can be purged of all insect activity if that's what you're asking. Once rough cut, you could treat it will some BORACARE and let it cure for a few months. If done properly, the boring larvae would surely die and the Boracare should be able to provide protection for several years to come. But the real question is two fold; is the wood damaged so badly that it's not practical to use and is it even worth the time and effort to make it reusable?

The first consideration is a tough one. Many people like the way insect damaged wood looks. They feel the boring pests help to give the wood a certain character and presence which for some living environments is a desirable feature. But clearly it can get to a point where the damage is so extreme the wood is not able to function structurally. This you can generally ascertain upon the initial processing of the tree. At that time you can tell how badly it's been infested, how much damage the wood boring pests have done and whether or not what is left of the tree can be used for your project.

The second thing to consider is whether or not the wood is even worth the cost to make it usable. Remember, Boracare will cost as will your time and effort to do the treatment. Again, if there is a lot of wood and it has a certain look you desire, it can be saved. But in the end, only you can make this judgment call. And don't be afraid to give us a call if you'd like to  discuss this further; our toll free is 1-800-877-7290.