Pest Control: Woodworm
If you locate a woodworm issue then there may be a requirement to carry out a woodworm treatment. We carry out an initial survey for woodworm treatment to identify the extent of the problem.
We can provide professional Woodworm removal treatments for timbers and structural beams to furniture and floorboards for both commercial and domestic properties that have located a problem with timbers.
What You Need to Know About Woodworm
Life Span. Wood boring beetles live only for a couple of weeks, the females live for between 10 and 14 days whereas their male counterparts only live between 3 and 4 days, but years as larvae in the timber. The purpose of the beetle is to lay the next batch of eggs to keep the cycle going.
Damaged Timber. Its the larvae that does all the damage to the timber. It literally chews its way through the wood.

Woodworm is a boring larvae of the many species of beetle. Adult woodworm beetles like the light, this is why adult beetles make their way to the surface of the wood. There are several types of wood-boring beetle found in the UK.
- The Common Furniture Beetle is the most common wood-boring beetle in the UK. It’s a small, brown beetle that can cause damage to wooden furniture, floors, and structural timbers.
- The House Longhorn Beetle is a larger beetle that can grow up to 25mm in length. It is a rare species in the UK but can cause significant damage to structural timber.
- The Powder Post Beetle is a small, brown beetle that can cause damage to hardwoods, such as oak and mahogany. It gets its name from the fine powder it creates as it bores through wood.
- The Death Watch Beetle is a larger beetle that can grow up to 7mm in length. It is known for the ticking sound it makes as it bores through wood and can cause significant damage to structural timbers.
- The Wharf Borer Beetle is a small beetle that can cause damage to untreated softwood, such as pine. It is often found in coastal areas and can be a problem for wharves and piers.
The signs to look out for if you think you have woodworm are dead beetles on windowsills near the attacked wood, they fly toward the light, normally found May and October time. Also frass or piles of fine wood dust found in heaps below the infested areas, but the most obvious sign is the small holes found in timbers. Be aware though as this could be old historic damage that has been treated.
Pest-Tech Ltd have carried out all manor of woodworm treatments in the past, from treasured furniture, loft spaces, garden furniture and garage roofs. We will need to get to the bare timbers to carry out the treatment so this may mean some movement of belongings or uncovering of timbers that are hidden away. This is discussed during the survey. The treatment is completed using a sprayer to give wide coverage and allow the solution to absorb into the wood. The building will need to be empty of people and animals to ensure a safe treatment and the property will need to remain empty for a minimum of 4 hours after the treatment is complete.
If you suspect that you have wood-boring beetles in your home or property, it is important to identify the type of beetle and take appropriate action to treat and prevent further damage. This may involve hiring a professional pest control service and using insecticides to treat the affected areas. Pest-Tech Ltd can help you with a woodworm treatment, to book a survey. Contact Us
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