WOODWORM

Problem

The name woodworm is the commonly used generic term for a number of wood boring insects. These lay their eggs on or in timber and their larvae feed upon the cellulose in the wood boring through it to leave a network of tunnels, thus 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 woodworm infestations need treatment.

Solution

The first necessary step is a professional survey to locate the areas of woodworm infestation, identify accurately the species involved and determine whether it is active or not. In domestic property it may be necessary to lift floorboards and gain access to roof voids. In many cases areas requiring woodworm treatment are obscured by a heavy accumulation of dust and old building debris. These must all be cleaned before treatment. Roof insulation also needs to be lifted to gain access to the timbers.

Woodworm Treatment

Peter Cox technicians use the latest insecticidal formulations that eliminate the woodworm insects on contact as they pass through the spray treated timber. Deep seated Death Watch Beetle infestations, in large section structural hardwoods for instance, require a more targeted treatment and here a deeply penetrating insecticidal gel is employed.

Timber Repairs
Where structurally necessary, heavily woodworm infested timbers will be cut away and replaced. Or they may be economically repaired by skilled joiners using resin repair techniques.

• Modern, water based micro emulsion insecticides
• Treated rooms can be re-occupied after just one hour
• Non flammable
• Generally applied by spray but also by brush, injection and in gel or paste formulations
• Low odour, low hazard and HSE approved

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.

What if there are bats in the roof?

As required by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Peter Cox will notify Natural England prior to carrying out any treatment in an area where bats are present.

You also have the assurance that Peter Cox remedial timber treatment products are approved by Natural England as suitable for use in bat roosts.

For more information on this subject, visit Natural England.

Safeguarding the environment - click here to read our health and safety information.