Woodworm Infestation affects timber in a very big way, from small holes appearing to whole items collapsing because they have been hollowed out and become unstable, which can also prove very dangerous.

Identifying Signs of Woodworm Infestation

Woodworm Infestation holes that are found in timber are caused by two things. Larvae of Adult Woodworm feed on the timber from the moment they are born inside the wood and basically eat their way out.

The larger holes that may be seen are caused by the Adult Beetles emerging to mate. Eventually they will re enter the wood to lay their eggs and the whole cycle starts again.

Species of Woodworm

There are a number of Species of Woodworm and each requires a slightly different method of treatment to prevent Woodworm Infestation.

You must make sure you know which species you are dealing with before attempting to treat the problem as the wrong cure won't have the desired effect.

This is one reason why it is possibly better to hire a Pest Control Professional to deal with Woodworm Infestation as they are more likely to know which type of woodworm you are dealing with.

By far the most common species of woodworm in the UK is the Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum). This species can be identified by the small, round holes that are left on the surface of the timber (approx. 1.5 - 2mm diameter) and the "gritty" bore-dust that it leaves behind (showing up as lemon-shaped pellets under magnification).

Problems of Woodworm Infestation

The danger of Woodworm Infestation is that your woodwork may be harbouring the pests without you being any the wiser. The wood can be 'infected' with eggs or larvae, but on the surface there would be no indication of Woodworm Infestation and the infestation may not be discovered for several years!

It is a common misconception that Woodworm Infestation only affects old properties with more Antique Woodwork, and in fact it can cause damage to any age property or furniture. Tell tale signs of Woodworm Infestation include:

• Small round holes in your woodwork, similar to the holes in a dart board.
• Fine, powdery dust around these holes (this is known as frass).
• Crumbly edges to boards and joists.
• Adult beetles emerging from the holes or present around the house.

Preventing Woodworm Infestation

Measures to Prevent Woodworm Infestation since damage by wood-boring beetles nearly always has its source in eggs laid by the female, one important method of prevention is to take care that infested wood, particularly infested furniture, is not introduced into the house, or if the furniture cannot be dispensed with, to take steps to eradicate the Woodworm Infestation while it is still localized.

Wood can be protected from Woodworm Infestation and existing Woodworm Infestation eradicated by treatment with a commercial wood preservative, persistent contact insecticidal fluid, or preservative-insecticide mixture sold for 'Woodworm Infestation' control The success of insecticide treatment depends largely on the thoroughness with which the fluid is applied.

Special attention should be given to any rough, unpainted or unpolished surfaces, such as backs, insides and bottoms of pieces of furniture, for these are the places where eggs are laid.