For homeowners, particularly those in older houses, a common concern is woodworm. Unfortunately, infestations of these insects are common in the UK. Thankfully, treating woodworms is doable, but early detection is crucial.
Despite the name, woodworm isn't actually a worm but a wood-boring beetle and larvae. They lay their eggs in crevices and pores of wood and then, once hatched, burrow into the timber and feed on it. This can cause several structural issues in the house's structural timber. Because it is a common issue in the UK, it is important to know the signs of woodworm so you can spot it early and prevent serious structural damage.
At Croft Preservation, we are specialists at delivering quality woodworm treatment to properties across Dorset and Hampshire. With 40 years of experience, we are the experts at woodworm treatment. In this blog, we discuss why woodworm is so common across the UK and how to spot it.
Why Is Woodworm So Common in the UK?
There are several reasons why woodworms are common in the UK.
- Temperate climate - homes are heated to be comfortable but this makes them the perfect environment for breeding.
- Older buildings - older buildings use untreated or aged timber, making them more vulnerable to infestations.
- Lack of ventilation - poor airflow in lofts, basements and damp rooms encourages the beetles to settle in the timber.
- Common woodworm species - the furniture beetle is common in the UK, and as they make a home in furniture around the house, they have plenty of breeding opportunities.
So, with the issue being a common one, how do you know you are facing it?
Signs You Might Have a Woodworm Infestation
Despite many homes at some point having a woodworm infestation, some of the signs frequently go missed.
But spotting them as soon as possible puts you in a better position to treat them before serious damage is done. So, here is what you need to be looking out for:
- Small, round exit holes in wooden surfaces
- Fine powdery dust around timber structures
- Weak or crumbling wood
- Presence of adult beetles, particularly in warmer months
The most active period for woodworms is between May and October, so it is usually worth being a bit more vigilant during these six months.
What Happens If You Ignore Woodworm?
Unfortunately, woodworm often goes untreated and are ignored in UK households. This is typically because, despite it being a common problem, people aren't aware of the infestation.
But there are some serious consequences of ignoring the signs.
- Structural weakening of floors, beams, and furniture.
- Risk of infestations spreading to other timber elements in the property.
- Increased repair costs if left untreated.
This is why it is important to deal with the infestation early.
How to Treat Woodworms Effectively
Woodworm treatment for early infestations is usually successful.
As it is a common issue and one that follows the same pattern, professional treatment will usually follow a similar process to the one laid out below:
- Assessment of your property to confirm there is an infestation and the severity of it.
- Use of specialist insecticidal treatments to eliminate larvae.
- Timber restoration or replacement for severely damaged areas.
- Preventative measures, such as improved ventilation and humidity control, implemented.
Most professional woodworm treatment services complete these frequently, making them efficient at the process and also meaning they will have seen almost everything with the problem.
Facing A Woodworm Issue?
As we said, woodworm is a common issue in UK households. So, if you think you are facing the issue, you won't be alone.
Contact the Croft team as soon as you notice any of the signs above to solve the problem.
We will conduct a preliminary assessment to confirm the presence of woodworms and understand how bad it is. From there, we will discuss an action plan, suggesting the best way to stop the spread of the beetles and repair any damage already caused.
Our team are experts in this service. With 40 years of experience, you can trust that you will get the best solution possible with minimum disruption and impact to your property as possible.
Call us today on 01202 737739 or complete our online contact form.
Related Blogs You Might Be Interested In