For expert help, explore our Timber Preservation Services, which include advanced treatment options tailored to protect your property.
How to Treat Woodworm in Your Property
When woodworm is discovered, prompt action is crucial to prevent further damage. At Advanced Damp Control (ADC), we recommend the following steps to effectively treat woodworm infestations:
-
Remove Severely Damaged Timber
Any timber that is heavily infested and beyond repair should be removed and safely disposed of. This step prevents the infestation from spreading further. -
Treat Remaining Timber
For timber that can be salvaged, we recommend using ADC Timber Treatment Solution, designed to eliminate woodworm and protect against reinfestation. -
Pre-Treat Replacement Timber
All replacement timber should be pre-treated with ADC Dual Purpose Timber Treatment Solution to ensure long-term protection against woodworm and other pests. -
Address Underlying Damp Issues
Woodworm infestations often occur due to damp conditions. Ensure that any source of dampness is identified and resolved before treating or replacing timber.
Contat Advanced Damp Control Today!
Types of Woodworm
Woodworm refers to the larvae of wood-boring beetles that infest and damage timber. The most common types in the UK include:
Common Furniture Beetle (CFB)
The Common Furniture Beetle is the leading cause of woodworm infestations in the UK. It damages timber flooring, wooden furniture, and structural wood.
- Appearance: Small, brown beetles measuring 3-4.5 mm in length.
- Lifecycle: Females lay eggs in cracks within wood; larvae burrow into timber, feeding for years before pupating into adults.
- Signs of Infestation:
- Small, round exit holes surrounded by fine, powdery dust (frass).
- Creaking or weakened timber.
- Visible adult beetles.
’s important to maintain relative humidity (RH) between 40% and 50%.
Contat Advanced Damp Control Today!
Causes of Woodworm Infestations
Woodworm thrives in damp timber, making it essential to resolve moisture issues as part of your treatment plan. Common sources of damp that can lead to infestations include:
Roof Defects
- Blocked gutters or downpipes causing water overflow.
- Broken or missing roof tiles.
- Faulty flashing around chimneys or valley gutters.
Wall Defects
- Deteriorated mortar in brickwork joints.
- Missing or faulty damp-proof courses.
- Blocked or absent air bricks reducing ventilation.
- Cracks or leaks in internal pipework or window flashing.
Internal Defects
- Solid floors without a damp-proof membrane allowing moisture to rise.
- Flood water trapped beneath timber flooring.
- Leaking pipes or toilets near timber elements.
- Poorly ventilated timber floors covered by linoleum, trapping moisture.