Get beetle grubs out of a tree without killing them?

[betta132]

I've found a huge standing dead tree riddled with promisingly large tunnels, and I want to catch whatever's in those tunnels. Is there any way to get the beetles and grubs out without killing them? Some sort of bait? I know I've heard of people sticking a hose in ox beetle tunnels, but that seems like it might kill them before they wash out. Also, it's far out of hose reach. 

I've read that a banana mushed into beer is excellent bait for adult beetles, and I also intend to try that in the area. Anyone tried that? I'm mostly looking for ox and Hercules beetles, big hefty impressive ones, but I'll take most things that I could theoretically keep as a pet for awhile. I imagine anything attracted to sugary fruit bait would be easy enough to feed. 

[T.C.]

Ok, I understand that this was as well posted almost three months ago, but if somebody else comes along whats the answer... It should be here right?!

I have never tried to get grubs, but I have went after camponotus pennsylvanicus in logs on numerous occasions. First if you don't have one, you are going to need to get a chain saw, and then you will need to cut a section of the fallen tree out into small logs. Then using a axe or hatchet I personally split the logs into small pieces and get to the insects in the logs that way.

[cabintom]

I'm definitely not a beetle guy, but I've read that collectors will use picks (I assume the small ones that have a hammer head on the one side and are pointy on the other) to dig into a rotting log.

It seems that most would rather collect the adults, which are attracted to lights much in the same way as moths.

[joee30]

From my personal experience in rearing cerambycids off old wood, you do accidentally kill some nice larvae while trying to cut, saw, or open up the log. If it's small and compact enough, just put it in a Tupperware tote with some screen glued to the side of it (cut open a side and hot glue screen so the wood can get air). This is one of the easier ways to read wood boring beetles.