Woodworm Damage – What Every Homeowner Should Know.
Woodworm (Anobium Punctatum) is quite an elusive, very minute creature but can cause quite a bit of damage if left to its own devices. Everybody has seen the little holes that give its position away, and if you own a property, you should be vigilant.
These tiny creatures have a peculiar life cycle. They can be munching away undetected for 3-5 years without breaking the surface of the timber. They only make the holes when its mating time, or flight season as its known in the trade. They burrow to the surface, make the hole, crawl back in then turn into a little flying beetle. They then fly, usually not very far, find a mate of the opposite sex, mate, the female then lays eggs on the surface of fresh uneaten wood, then dies. You may have seen them, if you have them, usually May till July in this neck of the woods.
If you have seen them, you really need to have the area treated, as they can spread throughout the whole property. Over time they can seriously affect the structural integrity of the timbers, which can lead to serious expensive and extensive repairs.
Woodworm treatments are not difficult to carry out, but this is one job you don’t want to be doing yourself because of the materials required to effectively eradicate them. Only experienced and suitably qualified operatives should handle these materials.
Please call or get in touch with our team to arrange a survey.
Woodworm – Your Questions Answered
What is woodworm and how does it damage timber?
Woodworm refers to the larvae of beetles that burrow into timber, feeding inside for several years and causing structural weakening over time.
How can I tell if my property has woodworm?
Look for tiny round exit holes in timber, fine dust (frass) below affected areas, and sometimes the presence of small flying beetles between May and July.
Why is woodworm hard to detect early?
The larvae live and feed inside the wood for 3-5 years without visible signs on the surface until they emerge to mate and create exit holes.
Can I treat woodworm myself?
Woodworm treatment involves specialized chemicals and safety precautions. It’s best handled by experienced, qualified professionals to ensure effective eradication.
What happens if woodworm is left untreated?
Untreated woodworm can spread and severely weaken timber structures, potentially leading to costly and extensive repairs.
