Woodworm - A quick guide

wise WOODWORM A quick information guide PROPERTY CARE BUILDING VALUE WHAT IS WOODWORM? Woodworm is the generic term used to commonly describe the larvae stage of wood boring beetles that are seen emerging between April to October. As seasonal pests, woodworm can be found in any house where there is exposed timber. Search Interest for 'Woodworm' on Google UK in 2012 (The number 100 represents peak search interest) 100 80 60 Typical mating season 40 20 Apr Oct Jan Jul Dec WHY IS ITA PROBLEM? Structural Damage The main issue is the structual damage that can be caused. The woodworm larvae feed on cellulose within the wood and leave a network of tunnels. This can cause major structural defects in the most severe cases. Damaging Furniture When the woodworm leave the timber they leave unnattractive holes. Dead Beetles Although the beetles won't cause you any harm, dead beetles can often be found in sinks or baths and can be unsightly. WOODWORM LIFECYCLE 1. Breeding 2. Hatching The female woodworm beetle starts the After a few weeks the eggs hatch process by laying her eggs directly into the timber through cracks, crevices and existing holes. downwards into the timber and produce larvae. The larvae form a The woodworm eats pupal chamber and evolves into an adult woodworm beetle. They eat their way through the wood and produce the round holes you can see. for up to 5 years. It eats its way up and down the timber causing structural damage. Dust can often be seen at this point. 4. Transforming 3. Feeding WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE? Common Furniture Beetle House Longhorn Beetle Wood Boring Weevil Death Watch Beetle The beetles above can all be found in properties in the UK, however only the Common Furniture Beetle is typically found in Scotland. Fortunately, they are far smaller than pictured. To give you a better idea of the scale of size, the picture on the right shows a woodworm beetle on someone's finger. Telltale signs you have a woodworm infestation... 1. Small round exit holes in your woodwork, similar to the holes in a dart board. 2. Fine, powdery dust around these holes (this is known as frass). 3. Crumbly edges to floorboards and joists. 4. Tunnels within the timber 5. Weak and damaged timbers or flooring. 6. Adult woodworm beetles emerging from hole within the timber. 7. Dead beetles around a suspected woodworm infestation or on window sills Frass on timber I HAVE WOODWORM... HELP! 1. Establish the extent of the problem Holes and frass can be deceiving as they can be left over from previous infestations. 2. Professional surveyor Can determine the extent of the infestation and whether it is active or not. 3. Woodworm treatment The surveyor will recommend a cost-effective treatment that will get rid of the problem. About Wise Property Care Wise Property Care is Scotland's leading damp proofing, timber preservation and woodworm treatment organisation. For more than 15 years, Wise Property Care has been building value back into people's homes through property repair treatments and our real and meaningful 20-year guarantee. For more information, help or advice visit our website - www.wisepropertycare.com www.facebook.com/wisepropertycare E www.twitter.com/wisepc wise A www.youtube.com/wisepropertycare Sources: http://www.wisepropertycare.com/woodworm http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/renovatinganddiy/9602585/How-can-l-detect-and-treat-wood-worm.html http://www.aviva.co.uk/help-and-advice/home-advice/useful-articles/how-to-deal-with-woodworm html http://www.ourproperty.co.uk/guides/woodworm_oontrol. html http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/diy/woodworm-how-to-get-rid- PROPERTY CARE BUILDING VALUE worm-10-02-12 www.wisepropertycare.com/woodworm