Identifying Woodworm in your home
Often following a building survey ‘woodworm’ is reported to be present particularly in roof or floor timbers and the possibility of catastrophic structural failure is indicated. In truth such destruction is rarely seen however it is always a possibility and as such every indication of an infestation should be inspected and remedial work taken as necessary.
The hardest part of the process is to correctly diagnose if activity is present or historical so to start with there are some easy indicators:
- New exit holes in timbers, the size and shape will also determine the type of wood boring beetle. The most common, which is normally refered to as ‘woodworm’, is the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) and this leaves a round hole 1-2mm in diameter. It does depend on the type of timber but a new hole is often ‘bright’ with a typical new wood colour where as an older hole may become dark and less smooth.
- Dust, visible bore dust known as ‘Frass’ below the holes is often the easiest indicator of activity as aged dust will blow away over time. Again the shape of the dust can also help identify the type of beetle, Deathe watch beetle dust has small ‘bun’ shaped pellets visible to the naked eye.
- Actual Beetles, on occasion you will find dead beeltes particularly on window sills as most emerge from spring to the end of summer though its the Larva that cause the most damage with some types living and feeding for years within the timber.
- Crumbling timbers, this will most commonly occur on floorboards as they tend to be thinner than roofing timbers or joists and will break away to the touch.
These are the easiest indicators of activity though there are specialist tests that can be completed most are not cost effective, the moisture content of the timbers can also be an indicator as to whether infestation could occur as relatively dry timber will not be susceptible (this would require a deep probe test).
Just because there are holes dont assume its woodworm we have visited a property where the plasterboard ceiling had been removed and the client thought the holes left from the ceiling board nails where woodworm!
We have a comprehensive selection of treatments and preventative measures for all types of rot and wood boring beetle so if you’re worried then call us today or complete the survey request form.
Check out our services on timber treatments and woodworm.
Wessex Damp and Timber are an industry leading company who provides services to help cure dampness and condensation in both the home and commerical environments.
Services We Offer
Some of the services we offer in property preservation
If you have issues in your home such as peeling paint or loose plaster, mould spotting or visible stains and ‘tide’ marks then you may have a damp problem and if so we have the solution. Whether it’s rising or penetrating damp we will provide you with a diagnosis and the solution.
Condensation in its simplest form is when moist air comes into contact with colder air or a colder surface and the water contained in the air is released to form condensation in the air or on the surface. It often results in black mould growth on walls and surfaces or you can see water droplets.
Aged and Period properties can often be cold and condensation will form on external walls, we can provide various types of solid insulation and often incorporate this with a level of damp proofing. Internal temperatures will improve and mould spotting reduces.