So, I got a piece of cork oak from another member here (thanks Tom!!) The piece is great, but as I sat at my desk yesterday I noticed a slight ticking sound that I realized soon enough was coming from the blank!!! It is no doubt some sort of beetle, but I don't want to realease a potentially harmful insect to my area from another state. I'm thinking about putting it in the oven for an hour or two at the lowest setting--200 or lower. Anyone ever done this?? I'm only worried b/c of the Emerald Ash borer---don't want any invasives coming to VA, but I don't want to destroy the blank either. Don't worry-I'll be careful with the oven & won't set it on fire!