Woodworm is an infestation by the larvae of wood-boring beetles. The beetles invade and consume wood, and then leave when they have reached maturity. The most common species are the Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum), Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium rufuvillosum), House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus) and Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus brunneus).
Woodworm damage
In some situations damage caused by woodworm can turn previously adequate timbers into a potential safety issue. When the larvae of a wood-boring beetle burrow their galleries (tunnels) they remove some of the strength of the timber. If enough galleries are present then the cross-sectional area of a timber can be reduced to an extent where either deflection becomes unacceptable (the timbers bend too much) or there is a collapse.
Woodworm treatment
The main work involved with remedying woodworm includes the replacement of compromised timbers and remaining timbers sprayed with a treatment chemical. To treat woodworm the extent of the infestation needs to be determined and any other problems identified. Treatment for woodworm is often combined with addressing damp problems and improving ventilation.
Please contact us if you have any concerns about woodworm, damp or any other structural defect.