Woodworm is the commonly used term for a number of wood boring
insects which lay their eggs on or in timber and whose larvae
bore through the wood leaving a network of tunnels, damaging and
weakening the structure.
Woodworm attack is varied - both in the type of timber which different
species infest and their larval life-span which can range from
ten months to 11 years. This means that accurate identification
by the surveyor is the first essential step because not all infestations
need treatment.
The 4 main woodworm species are-
Common Furniture Beetle
This beetle is responsible for about 75% of damage to property.
House Longhorn Beetle
The largest and most damaging but restricted mainly to the southern
Home Counties.
Wood Boring Weevil
Normally associated with damp timber and wet rot decay.
Death Watch Beetle
Attacks hardwood and a damaging borer in old buildings such as
churches. |
