Woodworm infestations can cause significant damage to the wooden structures and furniture in your home. We’ve gathered the 15 most commonly asked questions about woodworm to help you understand, prevent, and treat these pests effectively.
1. What is woodworm?
Woodworm refers to the larvae of wood-boring beetles. These beetles lay their eggs on timber, and when they hatch, the larvae burrow into the wood, feeding and causing damage. Since wood makes up around 70% of an average home, most homeowners will, unfortunately, encounter woodworm at some point.
2. Are there different types of woodworm?
Yes, “woodworm” is a blanket term used to describe various types of wood-boring insects. The four main types found in UK homes are:
- Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) – This is the most common type of woodworm, which affects hardwoods and softwoods and leaves small 2mm exit holes.
- Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum) – Typically found in older, damp properties, this beetle prefers hardwoods like oak, chestnut, and beech. It creates extensive tunnels and leaves larger exit holes (around 3mm).
- House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajalus) – This larger species primarily attacks roof timbers, burrowing deep into the wood and causing significant structural damage.
- Powder Post Beetle (Lictinae) – The Powder Post Beetle targets the sapwood of hardwoods and is commonly found in flooring and furniture. It leaves behind small, 2mm exit holes and fine powdery dust.
3. What does a woodworm look like?
Woodworm larvae are small, creamy-white grubs with curved bodies and small dark jaws used for burrowing into wood. They are typically hidden inside the wood, making them very difficult to spot.
Adult-boring beetles vary in appearance by species, but they usually have hard, cylindrical bodies covered by wing casings. Their colours range from reddish-brown to dark brown or black, and some species, like the Deathwatch Beetle, have a mottled or speckled pattern.
4. How long is a woodworm’s lifecycle?
The lifecycle of woodworm varies by species but generally lasts between 2 to 5 years. Most of their life is spent as larvae, tunnelling through wood, feeding, and gradually weakening the wood’s structure. Once fully developed, they emerge as adult beetles, whose primary purpose is to reproduce and continue the infestation cycle.
5. How do I know if I have a woodworm problem?
Common signs of a woodworm infestation include:
- Small, round exit holes in the wood (1-3mm diameter), similar to holes in a dartboard.
- Fine, powdery dust around the holes (known as frass)
- Weakened, crumbly, or damaged timber.
- Adult beetles emerging from wood, especially between April and October.
6. How can woodworm be treated?
The best treatment for woodworm depends on the severity of the infestation. The first step is a thorough assessment by our surveyor to determine the extent of the issue. Based on this evaluation, we can recommend the most effective treatment, tailored to the species of woodworm and the unique circumstances of your home.
Chemical treatment, applied via spray, injection, or surface paste, is often sufficient for most infestations. However, for severe cases, fumigation or heat treatment (raising the temperature of infected wood to eliminate larvae and eggs) may be required.
7. How does woodworm spread?
Woodworm spread when adult beetles lay eggs in wood. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow deeper, feeding on the wood and continuing the cycle. Infestations can spread through:
- Furniture and flooring
- Beams and roof timbers
- Wooden antiques and musical instruments
8. What causes woodworm?
Woodworm thrives in damp, poorly ventilated conditions where wood retains moisture. Common causes include:
- High humidity levels in homes.
- Poor ventilation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Leaky roofs or plumbing issues, leading to damp timber.
9. How do you treat woodworm on painted wood?
To treat woodworm on painted wood, the first step is often to strip the paint to allow the treatment to penetrate the wood properly. If removing the paint isn’t ideal, specialist injections can be used to target the larvae inside the wood.
10.How do you treat woodworm in furniture?
Woodworm-killing sprays and wax treatments are often very effective for treating woodworm in furniture. More extensive infestations may require fumigation or heat treatment to eradicate the pests fully. It’s also worth noting that antiques and delicate furniture may require specialist conservation treatments to preserve their value while addressing the issue.
11. Do I have to move out during the woodworm treatment?
For most chemical woodworm treatments, you don’t need to move out. However, if fumigation or particularly intensive chemical treatment is needed, we may recommend that you temporarily relocate until the treatment has settled.
12. Is woodworm treatment safe for pets?
Many modern treatments are safe for pets once dried. However, if you have any concerns or specific questions, feel free to reach out to our team. We’ll be happy to provide more details and address any concerns you may have.
13. Do you guarantee your woodworm treatment?
Yes, most professional woodworm treatments come with guarantees of 10 years. The exact length depends on the provider, treatment method, and severity of the infestation.
14. How can you control a woodworm infestation?
To control a woodworm infestation, it’s important to take preventative measures, such as:
- Applying wood preservatives to exposed timber.
- Conducting regular inspections, especially in older properties.
- Addressing moisture problems in your home, such as leaks and dampness.
- Consulting wood preservation experts, like CS Damp Proofing, for tailored advice and solutions.
15. What is the typical cost for woodworm treatment?
Costs vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the chosen treatment. For domestic properties, prices typically range from:
- £300-£500 for small-scale infestations
- £800-£1,500 for larger or structural infestations
- £2,000 or more for extensive fumigation or heat treatments.
For expert woodworm treatment, trust the professionals!
By understanding woodworm and its treatment, you can better protect the wooden structures and furniture in your home from costly damage. For further advice or to take advantage of our expert woodworm services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team on 01765 452510