Woodworm

Woodworm is the common name for several wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop inside timber, boring tunnels and causing gradual damage. An infestation can go unnoticed for a long time; typical signs are small exit holes, fine wood dust and changes in the structure of the wood.

Where it lives and breeds: Wooden furniture, wardrobes, doors, window frames, parquet, beams and roofs

Effective solutionWe book appointments at a time that suits you
Approved productsWe use approved biocidal products, following the instructions for use and the prescribed safety measures.

Species

Common furniture beetleAnobium punctatumAttacks furniture and wooden structures, especially in damp conditions.
Powderpost beetleLyctus brunneusMainly attacks the sapwood of certain hardwoods, leaving very fine wood dust.
House longhorn beetleHylotrupes bajulusMainly attacks softwood timber and can cause serious internal damage.

Potential risks

Damage to furniture, wardrobes, doors, parquet and wooden panelling
Internal decay of beams and timber roofs, reducing their strength
Larvae can feed inside the wood for anywhere from a few months to several years

Treatment methods

Chemical methods

Applying suitable, approved wood-protection biocidal products, by surface treatment or targeted injection, where the product's authorisation provides for it.
Fumigation: a specialist method carried out by suitably authorised professionals, where the law allows it.

Non-chemical methods

The right method depends on the species, how far the infestation has spread and the characteristics of the wood.
Heat treatment: controlled heating of the affected wood with specialist equipment, to kill the insects.

Preventive methods

Regularly checking wooden structures.
Keeping excess moisture down.
Using suitably treated timber.

Note: Old holes do not necessarily mean an active infestation. New holes, fresh wood dust or live insects, however, call for a closer look. Where extensive damage affects the safety of wooden structures, an assessment by a qualified engineer may be needed.