As this is the time of the year where woodworm larvae start to bore through timber, here at the PCA, we wanted to issue a timely message to homeowners to be vigilant to the possible presence of a woodworm infestation.

What exactly is woodworm?

For homeowners a bit unsure as to what woodworm is, it is the generic term used to describe the larval stage of wood-boring insects, which sees eggs laid into small cracks on the surface of the timber.

The damage caused by the larvae eating their way through timber can unfortunately lead to structural integrity problems if the woodworm issue is allowed to continue unchecked.

How can I tell if I have an infestation of woodworm?

For the untrained eye, it can be difficult for homeowners to initially identify if they have a potential issue. However, there are tell-tale signs to look out for. For example, look for the appearance of new emergence holes and the dust – known as frass – which falls from the holes.

The presence of adult beetles around the home and near timber is another good indicator. Not all wood is susceptible but there are very clear indications of a woodworm infestation and as adult beetles emerge from the timber during the spring and summer, this is the time of year to be vigilant.

In essence, look out for:

• New small circular holes in the timber
• Dust, known as frass, around these circular holes
• The appearance of crumbly edges to the floorboards and joists
• Small tunnels within the wood – visible when you cut into the timber
• Weakened/damaged floors and timber – a clear sign something isn’t quite right
• Beetles emerging from the holes in the timbers, or more holes within the timber
• Dead beetles appearing close to the holes in the timber

And what if the signs are ignored?

Suffice to say, like many things in life, the longer you potentially have the woodworm issue, the increased possibility of consequences. If left unchecked, woodworm can:

• damage structural building timbers, furniture and even wooden ornaments
• given time, even cause structural weakening and, in extreme cases, lead to collapsing timbers within a building

Correct identification and treatment is key

If householders think they may have a woodworm problem, the first important step is to ensure it is correctly identified, and then treated accordingly.

When addressing infestations in a property, there are a variety of modern methods of treatment which are very specialised and should only be undertaken by trained and competent individuals.

Due to the potential spread and destructive impact woodworm can have on a property, it is recommended that if you suspect you have an infestation in your home, then a qualified timber preservation professional should be approached to conduct a property survey to determine if a remedial action is required. 

PCA members have the necessary skills to rectify these problems effectively and efficiently. If you do want to speak to a woodworm expert, you can always run a search for local woodworm specialists close to you using the search function below,

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