Woodworm Control & Treatment
Not all woodworm needs treating. We identify whether you have an active infestation and recommend the right course of action.
Is Your Woodworm Actually Active?
Here's something other companies might not tell you: most woodworm damage is historic. The beetles that made those holes could have left years ago.
Treating inactive woodworm is a waste of money. That's why we start by determining whether your infestation is active before recommending any treatment.
If it is active, we'll treat it properly with professional-grade insecticides and guarantee our work. If it's not, we'll tell you — even though it means we don't get paid for treatment.
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What is Woodworm?
"Woodworm" is actually the larval stage of wood-boring beetles. The most common in UK homes is the Common Furniture Beetle.
The Lifecycle
Adult beetles lay eggs in cracks in timber. The larvae hatch and burrow into the wood, feeding for 2-5 years. They then pupate near the surface and emerge as adult beetles, leaving the characteristic exit holes (1-2mm diameter).
The holes you see are exit points — the damage was done inside over several years.
Is It Active?
Signs of active infestation include fresh holes with sharp edges, fine powdery dust (frass) below the holes, and adult beetles appearing in spring/summer. Old, inactive damage shows holes with rounded edges and no fresh dust.
We can tell the difference — and we'll show you what we find.
Signs of Woodworm
Woodworm is often discovered during renovations, property surveys, or when you notice unexplained holes in timber. Here's what to look for:
- Small round holes (1-2mm) in timber
- Fine powdery dust (frass) near holes
- Crumbling or weakened timber
- Adult beetles (small, brown, 3-5mm)
- Tunnels visible in broken timber
Common locations: Floorboards, roof timbers, joists, furniture, and any untreated softwood — especially in damp conditions.
How We Treat Woodworm
If treatment is needed, we use professional-grade products applied thoroughly to ensure complete coverage.
Full Survey
We inspect all accessible timbers to determine the extent and activity of any infestation. We'll show you what we find and explain whether treatment is actually needed.
Preparation
Affected areas are prepared — this may include lifting floorboards to access joists and clearing loft spaces for roof timber treatment.
Treatment
Professional insecticide is applied by brush or spray to all affected and at-risk timber. The treatment penetrates the wood to kill larvae and prevent re-infestation.
Guarantee
All treatment comes with a written guarantee. We use products that provide long-lasting protection against future infestation.
Woodworm FAQs
Can woodworm spread to other properties?
Adult beetles can fly, but they typically don't travel far. They're attracted to similar conditions (damp timber), so if your home provides the right environment, that's usually where they'll stay.
Will woodworm come back after treatment?
Properly treated timber is protected for many years. Our treatments include a residual effect that kills any beetles trying to lay eggs. Combined with addressing any underlying damp issues, re-infestation is very unlikely.
Is woodworm treatment toxic to humans or pets?
Modern treatments are much safer than older products. We'll advise you on any precautions needed (typically staying out of treated areas until dry). Once dry, treated areas are safe for normal use.
Does woodworm mean I have damp?
Woodworm beetles prefer damp timber, so an active infestation often indicates a moisture problem. We'll check for this during the survey — treating the woodworm without addressing the damp would be a waste of money.
My survey flagged woodworm — should I be worried?
Not necessarily. Many survey reports mention woodworm that turns out to be old, inactive damage that doesn't need treating. We can provide a specialist report that clarifies whether treatment is actually needed.
Concerned About Woodworm?
Get an honest assessment from Craig. We'll tell you whether treatment is actually needed — and if it is, we'll do it properly with a guarantee.
- Free survey and honest assessment
- Professional treatment with guarantee
- Reports for mortgage/survey requirements
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Tell us about your woodworm concerns.