Recommendation: Paint latex milk on the cut ends of the logs and on damaged areas of bark with a paint brush directly after cutting the log. This protects them from drying out until you are ready to inoculate. It also helps to stop unwanted mushroom and fungus types from entering the logs. You can also apply it to the ends of the inoculated plugs after inserting them. If required, you can dilute the latex with some water (2 parts latex, 1 part water).