Woodworm treatment & eradication

What is woodworm?

"Woodworm" is the general term for the larvae of several wood-boring beetles that tunnel through timber as they feed, before emerging as adults. It's common in floorboards, joists, roof timbers and old furniture. The key question is whether the infestation is active — because only active woodworm needs treating, and in serious or long-standing cases it can weaken structural timber.

Signs and symptoms

• Small round exit holes (roughly 1–2mm) in timber surfaces
• Fine, powdery dust (frass) around or below the holes
• Crumbling edges to floorboards, joists or rafters
• Live beetles or dead beetles near timber, usually in spring/summer
• Weak, tunnelled timber that gives way under load

Fresh, clean holes with pale dust usually indicate an active infestation; old, darkened holes may be historic. We'll tell you honestly which you have.

How we treat it

We inspect the affected timber, confirm whether the infestation is active, and check for the damp conditions many wood-borers prefer. Treatment typically involves applying a suitable insecticidal preservative to the affected and surrounding timber. Where woodworm has caused structural weakness, we replace the affected timber. If damp is a contributing factor, we address that too.

What to expect

Start with a free, no-obligation survey: we identify the beetle, confirm whether it's active, and quote clearly in writing. Work is carried out tidily and on time, backed by our 30-year written guarantee.