Are Woodworms More Likely to Infest Rotting Timber?

Wood is still a common building material thanks to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, renewability, and widespread availability. The only problem? As an organic material, wood is vulnerable to rot.

In the natural world, rot plays a vital role in breaking down dead organic matter and supporting the growth of new life. However, when the wood in your home starts to rot, it's a much bigger problem.

Rot (whether wet or dry) can weaken structures, compromise safety, and require costly repairs or replacements. It's also a big draw to some very unwelcome guests - namely, woodworms.

At Croft Preservation, we have over 25 years of experience dealing with rot and woodworm infestations. Let's delve into what woodworms are, why they like rotting wood, and how best to tackle them!

What are woodworms?

Woodworms are the larvae of various types of wood-boring beetles. These beetles lay their eggs in the crevices and pores of wood, and when the larvae hatch, they burrow into the timber and feed on it.

If not caught in time, woodworms can do serious damage to a property. Woodworm larvae tunnel through the wood, creating a network of tunnels and galleries as they feed. Over time, this can weaken the structural integrity of wooden beams, floors, furniture, and other wooden components in the property. Severe infestations can lead to structural instability and even potential collapse.

Are woodworms attracted to rotting wood?

Yes. In fact, rotting timber provides the perfect environment for woodworms to flourish. Here's why:

• The eggs laid by wood-boring beetles need moisture to hatch and for the larvae to survive and develop. Rotting timber tends to have higher moisture content, which is why woodworms are so attracted to it.
• Rotting timber is usually softer and easier for the woodworm larvae to burrow into. Healthy and sound timber is more resistant to infestation due to its stronger structural integrity.
• Wood-boring beetle larvae feed on the wood as they tunnel through it. Rotting timber often has a higher concentration of nutrients, such as lignin, that serve as food for the larvae.

With that said, woodworms don't exclusively infest rotting wood - they can also attack freshly cut timber or other types of unprotected wood.

To minimise the damage caused by woodworms, it's essential to detect and deal with them quickly. Regular inspections, especially in areas prone to moisture or where wooden components are present, can help identify signs of infestation, such as small exit holes, frass (powder-like waste), or weakened wood.

How do you treat woodworm-infested rotting timber?

No one likes finding rot in their home, and it's even more difficult if woodworms are present as well. Luckily, both problems can be dealt with.

Although the exact process depends on the scope of the problem, treating woodworm-infested rotting timber usually involves a few different steps:

• A property survey to assess the extent of the woodworm infestation and determine the condition of the rotting timber
• Remedial action (such as fixing leaks or improving ventilation) to prevent further decay
• Replacing or reinforcing damaged sections of the timber
• Spraying insecticide to eliminate the insects
• Applying a wood preservation treatment to prevent recurrences

It's a complex process, so unless you have the tools and expertise, your best bet is to call on the professionals.

Enjoy a clean and safe property with Croft

With over 25 years of experience, the team at Croft Preservation are one of the South's leading names in rot and woodworm treatments.

After identifying the scale of the problem, we'll use a fast-acting insecticide to eliminate all traces of woodworm from your timber. We'll then repair or replace the damaged components and apply a high-quality preservative treatment that safeguards against future occurrences. This guarantees long-lasting protection and transforms your home into a clean, safe haven for you and your loved ones.

Book a survey online or give us a call at 01202 737739. We're more than happy to help you in any way we can!