How to treat woodworm

Our woodworm treatment solutions, sprays, and processes have been verified and approved by leading trade bodies. This ensures that when it comes to treatment of woodworm, we are the industry leading professionals.

Our woodworm surveys and solutions eliminate problems in properties of all ages and sizes. This page contains expert help and advice that will help you understand how to treat woodworm and get rid of the larvae in structural and decorative timbers.

To speak to your local team of woodworm specialists contact us today or book a survey online using our contact form.

The technicians at Peter Cox use a unique woodworm treatment known as ‘Insectasure’.

This is a non-flammable, low odour water based micro emulsion insecticide has been approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and rooms are perfectly safe to re-occupy just one hour after treatment.

It is important to identify the species of beetle is present in your home because not all cause woodworm and not all require treament. Indeed only a select few pose any danger to the timbers in your home, these are:

• Common furniture beetle
• Deathwatch beetle
• Wood boring Weevil
• House Longhorn

You can read more about these woodworm species on our guide to woodworm page.

To arrive at an accurate estimate of how much any of our treatments would cost we would first have to conduct the survey at the property.

Naturally, the findings of the report will affect the final price and this will be determined by factors such as:

• The extent of the infestation.
• Scale of treatment required - ranging from full house fumigation to localised spraying or brushing.
• Do structural timbers need to be repaired or replaced.

There are many DIY treatments and “woodworm killers” available in hardware shops that they can be very effective, particularly on furniture. If you are certain the infestation is localised to a sideboard, chair or dresser, then professional woodworm treatment is not required and a DIY woodworm treatment will usually suffice.

If you suspect woodworm has got into the timber frames of your property then we would always recommend getting a professional survey and following their advice on treating woodworm. These pests can spend between six to ten years hidden in your timbers making it incredibly hard to determine how severe the infestation is until it is too late and the wooden beam, joist, or surface has been structurally compromised.

Also, while our professional woodworm uses chemicals that are safe long-term, their application does require strict observation of COSHH regulations. This is why our team use protective clothing and equipment when treating structural timbers and floorboards.

Wood-boring beetles in homes and commercial properties are usually drawn to damp timber caused by leaks or high relative humidity caused by inadequate ventilation. This makes the wood similar to what they would find in their natural habitat, simple to lay eggs into and easy for the larvae to feed.

As a result, the best way to prevent woodworm problems is to ensure there is an adequate source of ventilation in the property that will prevent humid air and moisture from becoming stuck in the home and soaking into your wood and timber surfaces.

It can be difficult to keep an optimum level of ventilation and humidity in your property but any of the following steps can help you prevent a woodworm infestation.

Any of the Woodworm signs listed on our dedicated page could be an indication that you might require treatment, however, the real way to see if woodworm is active in the wood is to look out for any frass, which is the name given to woodworm droppings.

The droppings look like a fine sawdust and will usually be around the holes in the infected wood. It is not the most glamorous job in the world but it will help you find out if the woodworm infestation is active and whether you require a treatment plan or not.

While woodworm cannot harm your roof insulation, our surveyor may let you know if they have noticed any insulation issues while they are in your loft. Peter Cox are committed to leaving our customers property in the best condition possible after our treatment and offer loft insulation as part of our service.

This is not something we will offer if it is not required, but if we feel your home will benefit from it we will let you know. If you are interested in the energy saving and environmental benefits of our insulation service you can read about it on our insulation page.

If you are worried about a potential woodworm infestation in your property then get in touch with our specialist team to discuss it. If necessary we can send a qualified woodworm surveyor to your home to assess the extent and severity of the problem and provide you with a woodworm treatment plan to get rid of the pests. If you are happy to proceed then we have a team of local technicians ready to get started applying our certified woodworm treatment solution

Get in touch with us today by contacting your local branch of Peter Cox or click the button below to book a survey.