There are several varieties of beetle that likes to lay its eggs in timber, burrowing small holes that quickly cause structural damage to wood. The Common Furniture Beetle and the Death Watch Beetle are the two main culprits in the United Kingdom and once a house is infected, the larvae develop quickly and the problem expands to other areas of the property.
Things that are an indication of woodworm infestation
The following are sure signs that woodworm is present in your home:
- Small round holes in timber with tiny mounds of dust next to each.
- Crumbling edges of lengths of timber.
- Beetles emerging from holes.
- Dead beetles on the floor below window frames.
- Creamy white eggs that protrude from the holes.
Check all timber, window and door frames, skirting and architrave, as well as roof joists and rafters and let’s not forget the staircase. Shine a torch under the stairs to see in all the corners.
What is the best way to treat woodworm?
At London Damp Surveys, we provide accurate assessments of a property that is infected with woodworm. We typically recommend the use of a water-based insecticide; once sprayed, the chemical quickly seeps into the wood, eliminating both beetles and larvae; even the woodworm that are deeply burrowed into the timber will eventually succumb when they approach the surface and the active ingredients of the solution remain long after the substance has dried, ensuring a total wipe-out.
What species of timber does woodworm infect?
These beetles are very hardy and they like both hardwood and softwood; a damp and humid environment is ideal for woodworm and an infestation can occur at any time of the year. It is important to understand the difference between woodworm and fungal growth, with the latter, there are no minute round holes. The condition of the timber has a bearing on whether beetles will nest or not and very dry wood is ideal.
Termite damage
Termites actually consume timber and it doesn’t take long before these destructive insects cause serious damage to wooden frames and structures. We have all the right recommendations for termite infestation and once the culprit has been identified, the right treatment can be recommended.
Be proactive with insect infestation
London property owners should be proactive when it comes to woodworm, termites and other destructive life forms that can invade a UK property. If you have lived in your London home for a few years and have never had the building inspected for damp, mould and woodworm, now is the ideal time to order a damp survey, which would reveal any woodworm or rot issues.
Let the professionals as London Damp Surveys assess your London home with a cost-effective building inspection; call us on 0207 305 5997 or fill out the online form on this website and arrange for a thorough survey. We issue a detailed report within 24 hours of the survey completion and our costs are very competitive.
