Treating woodworm

Our woodworm treatment solutions, sprays, and processes have been verified and approved by leading trade bodies. This ensures that when it comes to treating 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.

Our specialists begin with the application of our specially designed insecticide formula. The method of application varies depending on the type of beetle larvae present and the extent of infestation. This is why we always recommend hiring a professionally qualified specialist.

In most cases, our insecticide formula can be applied via fumigation spray or brush over the affected area. If the wood boring beetle has laid eggs on the surface of the timber, the eggs will absorb the treatment and die. For any larvae or beetles still inside the timber, they will ingest the treatment as it seeps into the wood. This means they will die before having the chance to emerge from the exit holes, mate and lay more eggs.

Depending on the beetle, an injection of insecticide into the timber may be required. For example, Deathwatch beetles are particularly destructive species that can burrow deep into timber including hardwood. In instances like this, the woodworm treatment can be injected deep into the exit holes left by adult beetles. This will target the remaining larvae and kill them before they can cause further structural damage.

House Longhorn Beetles are another woodworm species that require careful consideration. In minor cases, the same methods we would use to treat Deathwatch beetles can be enough. In most cases, all timber in property will need to be treated and surveyed for structural integrity issues.

In order to establish the best course of woodworm treatment for your property, our professionally trained surveyors will conduct a detailed woodworm survey. Our woodworm surveys are conducted by surveyors accredited by leading trade bodies. This gives you peace of mind that they will provide the highest level of industry knowledge and insight in order to correctly identify and treat the insect.

Peter Cox survey process

It is important to identify the species of beetle 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 beetle

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

The technicians at Peter Cox use a unique 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 application.

To arrive at an accurate estimate, 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 solutions and “woodworm killers” available in hardware shops that can be very effective, particularly on furniture. If you are certain the infestation is localised to a sideboard, chair or dresser, then professional solutions is not required and a DIY beetle treatment or "woodworm killer" 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 surveyors use 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.

• Keep timber dry - Woodworm larvae thrive in moist timber. Timber with a high moisture content is at greater risk to a woodworm infestation. This is because damp wood is easier to chew than dry wood. Adult beetles will tend to lay their eggs in damp wood where its larvae will have a greater chance of survival
• Check second hand furniture - If purchasing second hand or antique furniture, make sure to check the furniture for signs of  a woodworm infestation before bringing it into your home. The common furniture beetle is often mistakenly brought into homes via infested furniture.
• Remove infected timber - If there is a piece of timber in your home infested with woodworm, it's important to remove it from your home as soon as possible. This will prevent the adult beetles from spreading to other wood in your home.
• Apply varnish - Applying varnish to timber will make it more difficult for water to penetrate it and therefore less likely to attract woodworm.

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 beetle droppings.

The frass look like a fine sawdust and will usually be around the holes in the infested timber. 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 wood boring beetles 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 surveyor to your home to assess the extent and severity of the problem. If necessary we will provide you with a woodworm treatment plan to get rid of the insect.. 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.