How to diagnose a woodworm problem

Woodworm infestations can sometimes be tricky to diagnose, especially as most of the damage occurs over an extended period of time and within your timbers where you cannot see it. However, woodworm should not be overlooked, as it can cause significant structural damage which can continue to worsen until dealt with.

Our woodworm treatment experts in Poole and Bournemouth explain what common signs you can expect to see in the case of a woodworm infestation. For assistance diagnosing the extent of your woodworm problem, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team on 01202 737739 for woodworm treatment in Dorset and Hampshire.

What is woodworm?

Woodworm, deceptively, are not worms at all, but refer to the larvae of wood boring beetles collectively. There are several species of these living in the UK, with the most prolific being the Common Furniture Beetle. The female lays her eggs in the cracks and crevices of your timber and after a few weeks these eggs hatch and the larvae proceed to feed on your timber for several years until they fully mature and emerge, causing damage as they go.

If not eliminated, the cycle will only continue until your timbers are fully weakened, which can be very dangerous. Many species of woodworm are also encouraged by rot and fungal decay, such as wet rot and dry rot, so keeping your home free from excess moisture and damp is a good preventative action to take.

How to identify a woodworm infestation

1. Small round or ovular exit holes on the surface of your timber
2. Powdery dust around exit holes, known as frass.
3. Dead beetles near the site of suspicion
4. Beetles emerging from your timbers
5. Weak or damaged floorboards
6. Crumbling timber edges

Whilst these are all common signs of woodworm, outside of noting an increase in exit holes yourself or witnessing beetles emerging, it can be difficult to know whether you have an active infestation or are simply spotting signs of an old one. If you are at all unsure, we suggest requesting the help of a trained surveyor and woodworm expert such as ourselves to diagnose if your home is at risk.

Click here for more information about woodworm and how to treat it, or contact our team of experts to do the work for you on 01202 737739.