Can Woodworms Be Dangerous to Your Health?

Now, all of that sounds bad enough... but could they also pose a risk to your health as well? We’re here to find out.

Croft Preservation are the South’s go-to experts in woodworm treatment and timber preservation. Below, we explore the potential risks of a woodworm infestation and explain what you should do if you suspect you have one in your home.

What are woodworms?

First things first: what is a woodworm, anyway?

Despite the name, woodworms aren’t really worms - ‘woodworm’ is a general term used to refer to a variety of wood-boring beetle species. These include the common furniture beetle, the powderpost beetle, and the ominously named deathwatch beetle.

Woodworms lay their eggs on or inside the surface of wood. When the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the wood, feeding on its cellulose and creating tunnels as they move through the material. As they grow, the larvae transform into adult beetles, which then emerge from the wood and mate, continuing the life cycle.

Can woodworms pose a risk to your health?

Thankfully, woodworms themselves are not typically dangerous to human health. While they can cause a lot of damage to wooden structures and furniture, they’re not known to carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

However, if you have an infestation of woodworms in your home or workplace, you may be exposed to a large amount of wood dust and debris. This can potentially lead to respiratory issues, especially if you have asthma or allergies. In rare cases, exposure to wood dust can cause a condition called "woodworker's lung", which is a type of occupational asthma caused by inhaling wood dust over a prolonged period of time.

If you suspect you have a woodworm infestation, your best bet is to seek out the help of a professional. They’ll have the tools and expertise to remove the infestation safely, as well as to make sure the space is ventilated enough to avoid a build-up of dust in the air.

How do you treat and prevent woodworms?

Although woodworms themselves aren’t dangerous, the damage they cause can be. Over time, woodworms can create safety hazards by compromising the structural integrity of a building - for example, if a roof beam has been weakened by woodworms it may eventually fail and cause the roof to collapse. That’s why it’s so important to get a woodworm infestation treated as soon as you spot the signs.

Of course, prevention is always better than a cure. To prevent woodworm infestations, make sure all wood is properly sealed and finished, kept out of damp areas, and regularly inspected for signs of infestation such as small holes and sawdust.

Woodworm treatment is a complex process involving harsh chemicals and advanced technology, so it's essential that it's carried out by a trained professional.

Banish woodworm from your home with Croft Preservation!

For over 26 years, the team at Croft Preservation have been providing first-class treatment services to properties across the South.

Thanks to our decades of experience, we have the know-how to effectively eliminate all traces of woodworm from your home. We can then replace the damaged timbers and coat them in a high-quality preservative treatment, protecting them from a future recurrence and keeping your home a clean, safe place for you and your family to live in.

Book a survey online or call us on 01202 737739 - we’re happy to help!