As the spring approaches as does the woodworm season. When you think of woodworm you probably just imagine tiny holes in wood and to a degree that is essentially the issue however these tiny holes can turn in to a huge problem!

You Are Not Alone!

Figures show that up to 5000 homes are treated each week so if you have a problem you are not alone!

There is no one type of woodworm, this is the collective term for this group of wood boring insects however the most common are the Common Furniture Beetle (anobium punctatum) and Deathwatch Beetle (xestobium Rufovillosum). The Deathwatch beetle is the more destructive of the two and they are reddish in appearance and measure up to 7mm.

Famous for the clicking sound it makes, many believe this means your time on earth is up! Rest assured this is just a mating call! So quite the opposite in fact! The common furniture beetle is the most common type of woodworm breeding in British homes. These have an appetite for both soft and hard woods.

The Silent Destruction

A woodworm problem can go unnoticed for several years and is in common in new properties as it is in older buildings. Adult beetles been boring holes in timber from around May time so it is a good idea to survey the issue before this begins. One suggestion is to paint and fill holes with emulsion or cover them with tape and this will give you an idea if you have an active infestation if or when the beetles emerge.

Small holes and frass which is the powder generated from wood boring insects is more commonly found around joists and corners of boards. These holes are created as the woodworm emerge to breed.
This could take a while as woodworm larva can inhabit wood for up to 5 years before they begin their next phase into adult beetles! Each adult beetle can lay up to 60 eggs at a time and then the whole cycle begins again.

Look out for dead adult beetles and live beetles emerging too as this may be visible between boards. If you believe there is infected furniture it is advised that these are removed to protect other wooden furniture or structures, and prevent infestation spreading.

Woodworm thrive on moisture so reducing this will help kill off an infestation. Humidity levels need to be below 12% in order to help prevent woodworm evolving.

If you think you have a problem with woodworm we can help!

All of our Woodworm and Damp Proofing Treatment benefit from a worthwhile and meaningful guarantee with the additional option of a Manufacturers Insurance backed guarantee if required.

• Damp Proofing
• Woodworm Eradication
• Professional Treatment
• 40+ Years Experience
• 30 Years Guarantee

So call us today on 0800 158 3885