What is Woodworm? ‘Woodworm’ is the term used to describe a number of wood boring insects but mainly applies to the common furniture beetle. These insects inhabit wood, lay their eggs, and feed upon the timber. The Common House Borer (Anobium Punctatum) attacks and eats wood in its larval stage and can grow from 2.7 – 4.5 mm in length. The species comes from the temperate woodlands of Northern Europe and have colonised other temperate areas such as New Zealand and the East coast of North America. Woodworm often goes unnoticed until a survey is carried out for the sale of a property.

Woodworm Treatment

Protum Services have a range of chemical products for woodworm treatment.

The first stage of the process involves identifying the species of woodworm and uncovering whether or not the infestation is still active in the wood. Infected wood is then inspected to determine whether it needs to be treated or removed. We will then identify the most effective woodworm treatment and carry out all necessary repairs and cures.

Life-Cycle of Woodworm

There are four main stages in the life cycle of a woodworm:

Woodworm - Breathing
Woodworm - Larvae
Woodworm - Pupa stage
Woodworm – Adult Beetle

The adult female woodworm lays her eggs in cracks and crevices in the timber. The eggs take about three weeks to grow. The hatched eggs take the form of C shaped larvae and bore semi-randomly into the wood. The larvae attack and eat the starchy part of the wood grain producing a dust. This is often the first sign of an infestation.

The larvae come closer to the surface when it is time to pupate. They excavate a small area just beneath the surface of the timber where it will take up to eight weeks to pupate. The adult beetle emerges breaking through the timber spilling out dust. The beetle leaves a 1 – 1.5 mm  hole in the surface of the wood, this is an obvious sign of the presence of woodworm.

If you have seen any sign of woodworm infestation in your home or if you’re purchasing a new house which you suspect may be effected by wood worm contact Protum Services for immediate assistance.