How To Treat Woodworm

What is Woodworm?

Woodworm is the result of wood-boring beetles' larvae feeding on the timber in your property. Early treatment and stopping woodworm before they cause irreversible harm to the timber in your property is key. Woodworm could lead to structural issues if not dealt with quickly and appropriately.

Woodworm Facts & Figures:

  • Different woodworm insects prefer different types of woods
  • The common woodworm beetle can grow up to 30mm in length
  • Woodworm eggs are not usually visible to the naked eye
  • The amount of time larvae spend beneath the surface of timber is 4 years
  • Signs of woodworm usually consist of holes in the wood, with live infestations showing powder around the holes, this is an indication of woodworm treatment being required 
  • The size of the holes varies, but are typically 1 mm - 1.5 mm in diameter for the most common household species
  • Adult beetles which emerge from the wood may also be found in the summer months
  • Typically the adult beetles lay eggs on, or just under the surface of the wood
  • The grubs then feed on the wood causing both structural and cosmetic damage which requires woodworm treatment
  • Before pupating and hatching as Beatles which then breed, lay eggs and repeat the process causing further damage
  • The four stages of woodwork development 

How Do You Know Your Property Needs Woodworm Treatment?

Once woodworm beetles have laid their eggs in crevices and cracks in floorboards, timbers, furniture, joists, wooden tools and woodwork in your property, you may not see any visible evidence for years making it tough to know if you have a woodworm infestation. There are some signs to look out for though including:

  • Small, round holes in timber, usually 1 mm - 2 mm in diameter
  • A fine, powdery dust near the holes
  • Tunnels within the woodwork
  • Crumbly edges to joists, boards and weak or damaged timber or flooring

Laying their eggs in cracks and crevices in furniture, floor boards and woodwork, the larvae hatch and burrow into the timber and can remain there for years, once they reach adulthood they emerge to start the cycle again, repeating the process and causing further damage. If left untreated woodworm can lead to irreversible damage and even structural failure with timbers having to be replaced. Over time, weakened structural components such as roofing, timber joists and load-bearing wood could give way resulting in a large repair expense or worse; serious injury.

Woodworm Treatment from AJ Pest Control

Carrying out a thorough assessment of your property or home, our experienced inspectors will detemrine the extent of the woodworm infestation and recommend to best course of woodworm treatment. No people or pets should be present at the time that rooms are treated and for a few hours after, however, our water based woodworm treatment is odourless when dry and only one course of treatment is required.

Our woodworm treatment is highly effective and backed by a thirty year guarantee. The woodworm treatment remains in the layers of the timber and holes to prevent further infestations, any eggs and emerging adult beetles will die, breaking the woodworm life cycle.