WOODWORM

What is woodworm?

Woodworm refers to the damage caused to timber by wood-boring beetles. The larvae feed on the wood, creating a network of tunnels. The length of time spent in the wood by the larvae depends on the species but is typically 3 – 5 years. At the end of this period the larvae pupates and emerges as the adult beetle , forming the 'flight' holes that are often seen on the timber. The adult then mates and the cycle continues; new eggs will often be laid back in the wood in previous flight holes.

Woodworm can initially enter the property on infected wood, furniture or wickerwork, or will simply fly in through an open window. There are several woodworm species that have the capability of attacking wood in buildings. An experienced Peter Cox surveyor will be able to correctly identify the infestation and recommend the right woodworm treatment.

How can I detect woodworm?

If you find holes on the surface of the wood, that may signal the presence of woodworm. The most commonly found species make small, round holes on the surface of the timber that are between one and three millimetres in diameter and may leave a trail of bore-dust (known as Frass).


You may find dead beetles near the woodworm infestation or on window cills as they tend to fly towards the light.

Timber flooring or furniture may be weakened or damaged, to the point where it may not support someone's weight.

Woodworm Survey

A professional survey is needed to find the woodworm infestation areas. The surveyor may need to access roof voids, list roof insulation and/or floorboards.

The surveyor will identify which species are causing the damage, and also whether the beetles are still active. You can arrange a woodworm survey by entering your details into the form on the right.

The surveyor will outline the severity of the woodworm infestation and how urgent is the need for a solution. He will describe the potential woodworm treatment costs and alternatives.

Woodworm Treatments

For most infestations, the wood is spray-treated with the latest insecticide, that eliminates the beetles and larvae. Treated areas can be re-occupied after just one hour.

We use modern, water based micro emulsion insecticides. These are usually sprayed but can be applied by brush, injection and as a paste or gel. They are non-flammable, low odour, low hazard and HSE approved.

Where Death Watch Beetle infestations are deep-seated, for example in large section structural hardwoods, a deeply penetrating insecticidal gel is used.

Timber Repairs
Heavily infested timbers can be cut away and replaced, where necessary structurally. Alternatively, resin repair techniques can be deployed.

What woodworm species are there?

Common Furniture Beetle
The most common form of woodworm in the UK is Anobium punctatum. This damages softwood (conifer) and the sapwood of European hardwoods in floors, roofs, staircases etc as well as furniture. Tunnelling along the grain of the wood can cause extensive damage.

Powder Post Beetle
Lyctus brunneus damages wide-pored hardwood with a high starch content, such as ash, elm and oak. Older timbers (over 15 years old) don't provide a suitable environment for this species. The Powder post Beetle can cause severe damage by tunnelling along the grain and can often be found in parquet or wood-block floors. It can be treated in the same way as the common furniture beetle.

Wood Boring Weevil
Wood boring weevils attack damp and decaying wood and is often found in conjunction with cellar fungus. Insecticidal treatments are not necessary for this type of attack as the infestation will die out when the source of dampness is removed.

Death Watch Beetle
Xestobium rufovillosum is most commonly found in oak in the UK and prefers timber that is already partially decayed. The bore-dust or frass forms into bun-shaped pellets, which helps to identify this form of infestation.  These beetles are approximately twice the size of common furniture beetle and severe damage may be caused to timber,resulting in structural failure.

The adult beetles tap their heads on the timber as a form of mating call and this can sometimes be heard in the rafters of old buildings like churches, which leads to the name 'death-watch beetle'. The death watch beetle is mainly found in south and central England, and hardly ever in Scotland.

House Longhorn Beetle
Hylotrupes bajulus are the largest beetle likely to be found with larvae up to 30mm long. As a result the holes bored are larger and can cause severe structural weakening. It infests softwood timbers, which are often used in roof structures. However, infestations are generally restricted to the south of the country and this beetle has become rare in the UK.

What if there are bats in the roof?
Peter Cox remedial timber treatment products are approved by Natural England as suitable for use in bat roosts. Peter Cox will advise on the correct procedures before starting treatment where there are bats, as per the 1981Wildlife and Countryside Act. For more information on this subject, visit Natural England.

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