Is Woodworm Harmful To Humans? The 199 New Answer

Woodworm can be carried on clothing but is extremely rare. The beetles themselves or their eggs can be transported to clothing, bedding, and other warm environments or furnishings.

Woodworms are common woodworms that can cause an infestation and serious structural damage if they are present in your home.

The effects of woodworm in the home can often be severe when a widespread infestation occurs, causing irreversible damage. It’s important to consult woodworm specialists who can identify the type of woodworm and recommend the most reliable removal and treatment. This way you can be sure that it will be eradicated for good.

Prokil specialize in diagnosing woodworm related issues but more importantly provide expert removal services to ensure your home is woodworm free. Learn more about why it’s important to understand the nature of woodworm infestations and why professional woodworm treatment is important.

If you would like to find out more about how Prokil can help prevent and treat woodworm damage in your home, call us on 0800 048 9488 or email [email protected]. Arrange a free and non-binding house measurement today.

*Charges may apply to selected surveys. You may contact us for more information.

treat woodworm

When it comes to woodworm, it is important to act quickly and apply the right woodworm treatment. To do this, you need to correctly identify the species of wood borer beetle. Our guide will walk you through the different types, identification and ultimately how to get rid of woodworm.

Fast navigation:

WHAT IS WOODWORM?

WHAT DOES A WOODWORM LOOK LIKE?

LIFE CYCLE OF THE WOODWORM

Types of Wood Boring Beetles

HOW TO IDENTIFY AN ACTIVE WOODWORM VISIT

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF WOODWORM ARE ACTIVE?

WHERE CAN YOU FIND WOODWORM?

WHAT DOES WOODWORM ATTRACT? (Common Woodcarid Beetle)

LESS COMMON WOODWORM SPECIES AND DIFFERENT WOOD SPECIES

HOW SERIOUS IS WOODWORM DAMAGE

HOW TO PREVENT WOODWORM

HOW TO GET RID OF WOODWORM

WOODWORM TREATMENTS

What is woodworm?

Woodworm is the common term for the larvae of all wood-boring beetles. There are several species in the UK, but most damage is caused by the progeny of the woodworm beetle.

What does a woodworm look like?

Woodworm larvae are usually creamy white and have curved bodies. It is highly unlikely that you will ever see woodworm larvae as they remain hidden and eat wood until they are fully grown. Adult wood borers look different depending on the species: The wood borer is a brown winged beetle with a length of typically 3-4 mm.

Woodworm life cycle

The entire life cycle of a woodworm extends over a period of two to five years. There are three stages of woodworm development, oviposition, hatching/tunneling and transformation:

oviposition phase

The woodworm cycle begins when an adult female woodborer beetle lands on a wooden surface and deposits her eggs just below the surface in pores, cracks, and crevices. Your goal is to secure the eggs in the safest possible condition to give them the best chance of survival. In each laying cycle, a female can lay between 20 and 50 eggs at a time.

hatching and tunnel phase

Within a few weeks, the eggs hatch from the soil to produce larvae. These small larvae then burrow through the wood for two to five years. Over this time, a single larva will tunnel extensively, allowing large batches of creatures to seriously damage structural integrity.

transformation

Over time, the larvae will begin to mature and will make their way to the surface and form a ‘pupil chamber’. This small room serves as the last dwelling area for the larvae to rest and begin their transformation into an adult beetle. When the time is right, the newly transformed beetle burrows to the surface and flies away, ready to mate with a female and restart the process.

Types of wood-boring beetles

Some of the most common wood-boring beetles are: common woodworm beetle, deathwatch beetle, house longhorn beetle, and powder beetle.

What are the signs of a woodworm infestation?

It can be difficult to tell if you have an active woodworm infestation as the main damage is done inside the wood and you probably won’t see any visible results for years. However, there are a number of telltale signs that can help you spot a possible woodworm infestation:

– Small round holes in your woodwork, typically 1mm to 2mm in diameter

– Fine, powdery dust around these holes (known as frass)

– Crumbling edges on boards and beams

– Tunnel in the wood

– Weak or damaged woods or floors

Other signs of woodworm infestation:

Dead woodworm beetles around window sills

During the summer months (woodworm season is May to October) you can also see adult wood borers hatching from holes in the wood. Once a wood borer beetle has chewed its way out of its hiding place, it instinctively goes to the light. So look for living or dead bugs near a suspected woodworm infestation and on window sills.

presence of predatory beetles

Steel blue beetles are the main enemies of the woodworm beetle. So if you see them running around, it’s probably because they’ve found a good food source nearby.

Signs of bug damage

Escape holes are probably the most obvious sign, but they only appear when the adult beetles are ready to leave the wood, years after they hatch as woodworm larvae. So it’s a good idea to check the back or underside of old furniture for signs of wear.

Finding holes and dirt on your furniture or floors isn’t always a cause for concern, they can just be signs of a previous woodworm infestation that has long been dormant. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a woodworm specialist.

How can you tell if woodworms are active?

Assessing whether or not the damage found is an active woodworm infestation is always the tricky part.

A popular method of testing for an active woodworm infestation is to fill the exit holes with beeswax or tissue paper, leave it for a year, and see if adult bugs pierce through the next year. Whether you try this or not, it’s always best to speak to a specialist before beginning any treatment.

Where to find woodworms

Woodworm can be found on all types of wood surfaces including:

– floorboards

– Furniture

– bar/bar

– roof beams

– Lacquered wooden surfaces

– wooden tools

– Joinery and lumber

– Decorative woodwork

– musical instruments

What attracts woodworms?

Different types of wood-boring beetles like different types of wood. Some prefer softwoods like pine, spruce, and cedar. While others prefer hardwoods like oak, ash and mahogany. All wood-boring bugs like moist wood because it’s easier to chew!

damp wood

The common woodworm beetle is found in both softwoods and hardwoods. Although found in many places, it generally prefers damp floorboards, attics.

Female furniture beetles tend to choose hardwoods with a moisture content of 28% or higher to give their larvae the best chance of pupating into adults. However, woodworm can be found in wood up to a moisture content of 12%. The drier the wood gets, the harder it becomes for them to feed.

Unprotected wood

Unprotected wood with little or no varnish or protective varnish is preferred by wood-boring insects such as woodworm. Because exposed wood without varnish is rather kinked, rough and therefore easy to nest in eggs from a brood perspective. Second, the lack of sealing protection means that a newly hatched larva can quickly pierce the grain.

Which woods do woodworms not like?

Common furniture larvae eat only the outer part, or “sapwood,” of a tree. This is because, unlike the inner “heartwood” of woods like pine and oak, it contains more nutrients and is free of toxins. If your furniture is made from good quality heartwood, there is a much lower risk of getting woodworm infestation. Sapwood is usually lighter in color than heartwood, allowing you to identify the high-risk areas.

Dazzo woodworm pit

Less common woodworm species and various types of wood

Although the woodworm beetle is the most common type of wood-boring insect in the UK, there are a number of other species to watch out for. It’s important to pay attention to different species as they have different damage abilities and prefer different woods.

Deathwatch bug

Deathwatch bugs prefer hardwoods like oak, elm, and mahogany that have been softened by fungus. These are most commonly found in older buildings and antique furniture. These beetles are most common in central and southern England. They are known for the distinctive tapping sound the adult beetles make when attracting a mate.

house longhorn beetle

House longhorn beetles are mainly found in south-east England and are particularly common in north-west Surrey. The house longhorn beetle is the most damaging wood-boring insect. It attacks the sapwood of dry softwood and grows up to 30 mm long. They leave exit holes of up to 10 mm in diameter.

These beetles love partially seasoned softwoods such as pine, spruce and fir and are most commonly found in roof trusses. Larvae produce large amounts of frass containing small pellets that leave a blistered appearance on the surface of the wood. The larvae can seriously damage wood during their growing season, completely destroying the sapwood and leaving only the veneer.

How serious is a woodworm infestation?

The amount of damage inflicted depends on the type, size of infestation, and infestation. Not every woodworm is harmful. However, if left untreated over time, woodworm can seriously weaken the wood and cause serious damage to its structure.

At this point, weakened structural components could fail, resulting in high repair costs or worse; severe injury. Because of this, woodworm infestation is a significant problem when found in:

wooden beams

supporting wood

canopy

rafters

Lumber

As previously mentioned, there are many factors that determine the impact and extent of an infestation and this needs to be confirmed by a professional before any action is taken.

How can you prevent woodworm?

While it’s difficult to completely ward off woodworm, you can definitely make your home less attractive by:

Keep All Wood Dry – The wetter the wood gets, the easier it is for larvae to pierce and live in it. Female wood beetles want to give their offspring the best chance of survival, so they choose a wood surface with that in mind.

– The wetter the wood gets, the easier it is for the larvae to pierce and live in it. Wood beetle females want to give their offspring the best chance of survival and therefore select a wooden surface accordingly. Make sure your home is heated and well ventilated – Heating your home to an appropriate temperature while keeping it ventilated will reduce the chance of moisture build up and wood saturation.

– Heating your home to an appropriate temperature while ventilating it reduces the likelihood of moisture accumulation and wood saturation. Buy furniture made from quality hardwood – Hardwood is known to be the most resistant to woodworm infestation due to its density and lack of nutrients for woodworm larvae.

– Hardwood is known to be the most resistant to woodworm infestation due to its density and lack of nutrients for woodworm larvae. Sealing wood with varnish – Varnish makes it difficult for wood-boring insects to penetrate a wooden surface. It’s also poisonous. Try to repaint or reseal any surfaces that have worn down over time.

– Lacquer makes it difficult for wood-boring insects to penetrate a wooden surface. It’s also poisonous. Try to repaint or reseal any surfaces that have worn down over time. Watch carefully for signs of woodworm when buying antique or used furniture – Always check you’re not bringing anything infested into your home and be on the lookout for the telltale signs outlined above.

– Always make sure you don’t bring anything infested into your home and look out for the telltale signs above. Remove infested wood from your home – If you find that a piece of wood is infested, remove it as soon as possible.

– If you find that a piece of wood is infested, remove it as soon as possible. Replacing Infected Wood – Once infected wood has been removed, ensure that you replace it with new wood that has been appropriately coated and treated to protect it.

– Once infected wood has been removed, ensure you replace it with new wood that has been appropriately prepared and treated with a protective varnish. Treat the wood with a woodworm treatment – take the proactive step to prevent an infestation and treat wood with a woodworm treatment.

Take the proactive step to prevent an infestation and treat wood with a woodworm killer. Using Fly Traps – Fly traps can be used in a preventative strategy to capture and contain adult wood borer beetles before they have a chance to mate.

How do you get rid of woodworm

Before treating any type of woodworm, it is extremely important to properly identify the type of woodworm you are dealing with. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult a specialist.

surface treatments

If your woodworm problem only affects small items like furniture, you can effectively treat it yourself with the right techniques and treatments.

You can easily treat woodworm beetles on any woodworm infested wood with a brush, dip or spray application of a permethrin-based woodworm treatment. As a precaution, you should also treat nearby timbers to protect against future outbreaks. Do not forget to repaint and varnish treated surfaces after drying.

injection treatments

Deathwatch beetle infestations occur deep within the wood, so it is important to treat by both injection and surface treatment. This can be done by injecting woodworm treatment spray into the escape holes left by the adult beetles. Or you can drill into the danger zone and fill the wood with a paste or gel woodworm treatment. Death Watch beetle larvae often do more damage than furniture beetles, so it’s good to see a professional before treating them.

Death Watch Beetle by Gilles San Martin

If you suspect you have a house longhorn woodworm infestation it is always best to consult a specialist. All wood within the building must be treated and checked for structural integrity. If your wood is free of severe structural damage and the infestation is minor, it may be safe to address it with the same treatments and methods you would use to treat Death Watch bugs. However, you need to be very careful with this species of woodworm.

A professional should treat any severe infestation that has caused major damage.

woodworm treatments

Permagard Woodworm Killer (ready to use) is perfect for treating woodworm caused by bed bugs. It contains permethrin, which is effective against all life stages of wood-boring insects. Other treatments may only target one phase of life.

Our ready-to-use woodworm killer is specifically designed to protect furniture, flooring, structural and other wood. It is designed to penetrate the wood quickly and allow for higher penetration. It is odorless and can be applied with either a brush or a low-pressure spray to provide long-lasting protection. And at just over £10 ex VAT for five litres, you’ll save over a third when you buy our ready-to-use Woodworm Killer online.

Lignum Insecticide Pro is excellent for treating Death Watch Beetle. Once diluted in water, this highly effective concentrate provides long-lasting protection and prevents re-infestation. When injecting wood, Lignum Dual Purpose Timber Gel provides deeper penetration than liquids, ensuring maximum protection. Always consult a specialist if you are unsure of which method to use.

Click here to see our full range of woodworm treatments and call our experts on 0117 982 3282 if you have any other woodworm treatment questions.

Read more in How to restore woodworm infested antique furniture.

In some cases, manufacturers simply call their products something else, either woodworm killer or woodworm treatment. However, some products are more geared towards killing existing infections, while others are geared towards preventing future attacks.

If you are unsure whether you have an active infestation or just old woodworm damage, we recommend using a woodworm killer first, followed by a wood preservative. This will kill any existing infestation and will also help protect the wood from future attacks. Most wood preservatives also protect against mold and algae.

Woodworm infestations can cause severe damage to the timbers in your home, devastate wooden furniture, or burrow deep into important wooden supports.

Severe structural damage poses a major health and safety hazard, so it’s important to have any woodworm infestation treated quickly by a professional.

But what does a treatment for woodworm infestation include and how long does the treatment last? In this article we explain how long it takes to apply woodworm treatments and how long they remain effective.

What does woodworm treatment involve?

Woodworm is a term used to describe a number of species of woodworm that burrow deep into wood. Woodworm larvae leave distinctive tracks as they burrow into wood in search of cellulose. Ultimately, these tiny holes can lead to dangerous structural instability if left untreated.

Woodworm must first be located and identified by a professional before a woodworm treatment is selected and applied. Treatments vary depending on the type and extent of the infestation. If woodworm is only superficial, surface sprays or pastes can be used. When the woodworm is deep in the wood, injections must be given to reach it.

The treatments are designed to kill existing woodworm in the wood while providing an anti-woodworm finish that prevents further infestation. For more information, see this article on treating woodworm.

How long does it take for woodworm treatment to work?

Woodworm treatments work instantly to kill woodworm and get rid of eggs and larvae in the woods.

When woodworm is present on the surface, treatments can be applied quickly and effectively. Depending on the extent of the infestation, the entire household can be treated within a few hours.

When woodworms have dug deeper into timbers or are in less accessible areas of a property, treatment can be more complex but usually takes no more than a day (although this depends on the size and extent of the infestation).

So how long does the woodworm treatment last?

Woodworm treatments are long-lasting and guaranteed to prevent reinfestation for years. As powerful chemicals, when used correctly, woodworm treatments can kill any woodworm and prevent it from returning for decades.

In general, woodworm treatments have been shown to be effective for 20 years, although in practice this can actually be much longer. Woodworm treatment creates a protective barrier that prevents new woodworms from taking hold and laying eggs from which larvae can hatch.

For this reason, it’s an excellent idea not only to eliminate woodworm where it resides, but to apply the treatment throughout the home to prevent any opportunity for outbreaks. Remember, when it comes to woodworm, prevention is always preferable to treatment!

Get more information on treating woodworm

For more information and expert advice on treating woodworm in your property please contact our friendly team on 01765 804050 or fill in our online contact form. Our experienced specialists are on hand to help you with your woodworm problems.

Woodworm can spread quickly and easily around your home, traveling to and from wood and timber structures.

Often referred to as the larvae of wood borers, woodworms can cause an infestation and, if left untreated, can spread quickly and easily around your home.

What is woodworm?

It’s always useful to understand what woodworm is and how to tell if you have an infestation in your home. Often confused with worms, the woodworm is actually a species of beetle.

Wood-boring beetles lay their eggs on the surface of wood. When the beetle larvae hatch, which are often responsible for the damage to your home and furnishings, they eat through wood as a food source. Learn about the causes of woodworm, the life cycle of woodworm, and how to prevent them early in the stage.

How should I treat woodworm?

If you think you may have a woodworm infestation in your home, it is always wise to seek professional treatment and advice as soon as possible to limit the consequences it can cause. If you’re not sure how to spot the first signs of woodworm infestation, see our general FAQ page for more information.

By consulting Prokil to properly identify the woodworm species and treatment for a severe or early-stage woodworm infestation, you can rest assured that we not only provide the appropriate treatments, but also help prevent the problem from reoccurring in the future. Find out more about our expert woodworm treatment services or contact one of our experienced professionals for more advice.

Is woodworm in the home a serious problem?

Woodworm infestations can cause serious structural damage to your home and furnishings without you even realizing it. The damage caused by woodworm can make your home structurally unsafe and can quickly spread throughout your home. To the point where the holes in your wood and lumber are visible, woodworm infestation can often go completely unnoticed, by which time harmful damage to your home has already occurred.

If you do not deal with the problem immediately, the woodworm can completely destroy your home, destroying architectural wooden structures and interior items.

How does woodworm spread?

There are a number of ways that woodworm can infest and spread throughout your home.

The adult woodworm beetles can fly and roam free of wood structures, laying eggs and causing a more severe infestation. The larvae also tunnel through wood, moving along a piece of wood.

Prokil woodworm specialists advise you to prevent the spread before it becomes a problem. Read more about the problems woodworms cause if you don’t take proactive steps to reduce their spread.

Prokil has a professional and experienced team who are experts at detecting, preventing and treating woodworm infestations in your home. We’re offering a free home survey because we understand that sometimes it’s not always easy to identify woodworm and it’s daunting to think that wood-boring insects could cause all sorts of problems in your home.

If you would like advice on your woodworm issue and want to take a proactive approach to ensure the issue is properly addressed, contact Prokil today, speak to one of our team members on 0800 048 9488 or email office@ prokil.co. United Kingdom. We can help you with any woodworm needs. Get in touch today.

How to get rid of a woodworm infestation

So you’ve noticed signs of woodworm infestation in your furniture, or even worse, your home’s substructure, and you’ve actively started looking for a solution. And that is the right decision! Most people only notice the infestation at a late stage, which means that the first damage to the wood has already occurred.

To prevent the further spread of these pests, you need to act immediately. And that’s exactly what today’s post is dedicated to – to help you understand what causes the infestation and how to get rid of woodworm once and for all.

What is woodworm and why is it in my furniture?

First things first – we need to know what a woodworm is. As you may know, a woodworm is the larval stage of any wood-boring beetle. Before appearing in the summer season, beetles spend several years in larval form. During this period of their life, they feed on wood and subsequently damage your property. When the woodworm is ready to pupate, it forms a chamber around itself and turns into a beetle. Only when the beetle is fully developed do we see the signs of infestation when it leaves its habitat. But why did they choose your house in the first place?

The answer is quite simple – heat and moisture. These pests love humid environments, as they provide the best conditions for further development. Rotten wood becomes a perfect snack to nibble on as they grow. And if the wooden structures have mold or mildew, it is easier for the larvae to burrow deeper. So, if your home is poorly ventilated or poorly insulated, you need to take preventive measures against woodworm.

However, beetles don’t just choose rotting wood. Even untreated furniture without varnish can become a target for woodworm abuse. These pests prefer to lay their eggs on surfaces that have cracks and holes. If your furniture loses its luster over time, make sure you paint, wax, or varnish it to prevent a possible infestation.

Do you need woodworm control? A certified exterminator will take care of it! Call us on Trustpilot

How do you treat a woodworm infestation in furniture?

Step 1. Identify an active infestation.

There are three main signs of woodworm infestation – small holes in the furniture or other wooden fixtures, piles of dust under infested wood, and beetles, either dead or alive. Some species make tapping noises during their mating season. If you are unsure whether the infestation is active, you can try sticking a piece of paper to the previously infested area. When the bugs emerge, they eat up the paper, leaving small 1-2mm holes in it.

Step 2. Don’t rush to throw away the furniture.

Sometimes the infestation isn’t as bad as you think. The damage could have been done earlier when the infestation was active. But it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s still the case. The beetles tend to roam in search of the most suitable living conditions. Just like people with rental properties. And if so, you may only need treatment in that specific area.

However, if you feel that the damaged piece of furniture is unstable and is crumbling, you may need to discard it.

Step 3. Decide if you need professional help.

Professional care is only required if you suspect serious damage, such as B. infested wooden floors or structures of the house. Small and localized types of infestation, like a single piece of furniture, can be treated at home using an off-the-shelf solution or a DIY woodworm treatment. However, you must remember that commercial solutions are quite toxic and can be dangerous to children and pets if used improperly. That is why you must take all possible security measures while working with them.

Step 4. Implement preventative measures.

After you’ve rid your wood of woodworm, it’s important to treat it to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Use wood preservatives to prevent future infestations.

Do you want to get rid of woodworms? Book a professional woodworm treatment and leave the destruction to the specialists! Call us on Trustpilot

DIY woodworm treatment

So if you’re absolutely sure you want to treat woodworm yourself, we’ve put together some common treatment methods for you. While not all of them are naturally based, they are proven to work.

chemical solutions

Insecticides have proven their effectiveness for many years. The same applies to woodworm cures or woodworm killers, as some manufacturers call them.

The main ingredient, permethrin, paralyzes and destroys the insects in your furniture. So if you see this ingredient on the list, rest assured that it works.

However, it has its side effects. Permethrin is quite toxic to children and pets. After application, your furniture should be left untouched until completely dry. It is only safe to use after it has completely dried.

Some treatments require the removal of polish, wax or paint from the furniture prior to application. Be sure to check the instructions before attempting any DIY maintenance.

vinegar solution

Treating woodworm with vinegar is effective if you don’t want to kill the larvae. The solution will only force them to leave the furniture. If you are looking for a non-toxic woodworm treatment, this is your choice.

Mix white vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:1 and spray on the furniture. The acid begins to irritate the larvae, and they start looking for a way out.

The main disadvantage of this solution is the damage that the acid can cause to the furniture. Also, vinegar has a strong odor that can cause irritation.

boron solution

Boron is commonly used as a natural solution to treat woodworm. It is relatively easy to apply and leaves no unpleasant odors.

Boron powder should be dissolved in water to make a 5% solution. For example, for 1 liter of water you need 50 grams of powder.

Apply two coats of the solution with a sponge or brush. Let the first layer dry well; only then can you apply the second.

How to protect your furniture from woodworm infestation

To protect your furniture from woodworm infestation, you need to consider a few things:

Control the humidity in your home. The wood should be dry. Any wood with a moisture content above 20% is considered potentially susceptible to woodworm.

When buying antique furniture, look out for signs of an infestation. You never know where a particular piece of furniture was stored before it came into your home.

Get rid of the infected pieces of furniture. Let’s be honest; Throwing away a chair will cost you less than replacing floorboards that have been damaged due to a poorly treated infestation.

Don’t hesitate to call pest control specialists. People tend to underestimate the damage they could have. It never hurts to ask for a professional woodworm treatment.

snack

What is woodworm?

Woodworms are the wood-eating larvae of certain beetle species. This can be a cause of wood decay and subsequent structural damage, particularly in buildings constructed with a timber frame. Woodworms can also infest wooden furniture.

Woodworm damage occurs when the beetle eggs hatch and the larvae feed into the wood, creating tunnels and chambers that eventually give rise to an adult beetle. It is these cavities that can weaken the wood.

Signs of woodworm

You can spot signs of woodworm by examining floor joists, floorboards, and even wooden furniture for the following:

Small dust mounds under the infected wood, produced by larvae burrowing into wood.

Tiny exit holes in the wood. Woodworm holes in furniture are an obvious sign of an infestation.

Weak floorboards and joists, although such damage can also have other causes.

Live bugs appearing in your house, especially in rooms with wooden furniture and timber frame.

Dead bugs, a sign that they have managed to mature and die.

Eggs, although these are difficult to see with the naked eye.

Woodworm larvae, sometimes called woodworm and usually creamy white.

How do I get woodworms?

Wood-boring insects are attracted to damp buildings or rooms with high relative humidity or condensation. Such conditions affect the moisture content of the wood in the structure and a moisture content of over 16% that persists for 1 or 2 years is a risk.

So check for leaks inside and out and make sure you have proper ventilation and insulation in your home. Otherwise, damp wood and wood rot encourage wood-boring insects to lay eggs.

How do I get rid of woodworms?

While most older properties, pre-1945, may have had some woodworm in the past, the advent of central heating and modern building codes have largely eliminated conditions where woodworm is a risk.

However, owners of older buildings may still have some necessary renovation work to do, and listed buildings require special care.

Prevent woodworm

The best thing you can do is prevent woodworm in the first place. The steps can include:

Keeps wood moisture content below 15%.

Ventilate and heat your home.

Check all period furniture you bring into your home for signs of woodworm. If necessary, make sure it has been treated to expel any remaining larvae.

Finally, don’t scare away your spiders – they have an appetite for the larvae.

woodworm treatments

The use of chemicals should be the last resort in removing active woodworm. Improving the home environment is a cheaper and probably more effective way to keep up maintenance such as gutters. Controlling the relative humidity in your home is another quick win.

Warning, oak beams and beams in old houses can look wormy, but the resilient heartwood can often be quite healthy. And Victorian softwood floorboards, which have suffered in the past, can be just as resilient. It’s a good idea to avoid carpet underlays, which can trap moisture in the floorboards.

But if timbers have been badly attacked over many years, then replacement may be the best option.

Can I claim woodworm on my home insurance?

Woodworms are usually not covered by home insurance. It is sometimes listed as an exclusion or viewed by insurers as gradual deterioration or inevitable wear and tear. Check with your insurer to see if woodworm is covered by your buildings insurance.

Published September 14, 2020

Author: Jim Hunt

description

Kill woodworms and prevent them from ever coming back. Woodworm Killer can be used on any indoor wood and is designed to get rid of wood insects. It dries colorless and can be stained, varnished and painted over.

Prevent woodworms from ruining your wood

Kills woodworms, eggs and larvae

Suitable for all interior woods including skirting boards and furniture

Penetrates deep into the wood and provides long-lasting protection

Prevents reinfestation

low odor

Do you have a bug problem? Call (800) 468-7859

Do common gnat beetles bite?

Of the four to eight million beetle species worldwide, all species have jaws, but few actually bite, and no reports of common pinnipe beetle bites have made their way to the general public. Common rodent beetles are very unlikely to bite or sting, so they should not pose any health hazards to humans or pets.

What damage do common gnawing bugs cause?

Common gnat beetles cause more stress in humans than physical pain or allergic reactions. Because so many different wood-boring bugs could infest your home and furniture, it can be difficult to find and eliminate common furniture bugs. Also because several immature stages of common house beetles can develop in your woods out of sight, contacting trained professionals such as

Q. What is woodworm? A. If you see round holes that look like you’ve played darts then you are probably looking at the UK’s most popular wood-boring insect known as the furniture beetle. This does not mean that it is only dining furniture. It is found in softwoods like pine and hardwoods like oak. Q. Does a woodworm only eat furniture? On a. The name comes from its fondness for old furniture, where it likes to eat woods glued together with animal bone glue – drawer bottoms, plywood back panels. It is found in most lumber in most parts of a home. Click here for details on our furniture treatment set Q. If the woodworm holes are slightly larger, which insect could it be? A. If the wood is possibly oak or elm, it may be Death Watch Beetle. However, this insect lives mainly deep in the wood and, unlike the woodworm beetle, does not need to visit the surface to reproduce. Click here to go to the index page. Where can I buy boron-based woodworm treatment? Q. If the woodworm holes are massively larger and oval, what insect could it be? A. If the wood is a softwood, like some kind of pine, it may be longhorn beetle. Listen to the wood for chewing sounds. This is a serious and rare pest in the UK but is widespread in Europe. Call us for specialist advice or visit our Longhorn page – click here.

There are more than 350,000 known beetle species. In fact, beetles belong to Coleoptera — the largest order of insects in the world. It may surprise you to learn that humans are known to use about 340 species of beetles as a food source. What happens when the tables are turned? Can bugs bite back?

Q: CAN BEETLES BIT?

A: The simple answer is yes, they can. Bugs have chewing mouthparts, so technically they can bite. Some species have well-developed jaws or mandibles used to capture and consume prey. Others use these to protect themselves from predators. Other bugs chew and eat wood.

Q: DO BEETLES BIT PEOPLE?

A: There are only a few species of bugs that can bite humans. When this happens, it’s usually the result of unintentional contact between the person and the bug. Some bugs can inflict a painful bite when threatened or provoked.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF BUGS BIT PEOPLE?

A: Although rare, beetle bites can occur from the following species: blister beetle, stag beetle, and longhorn beetle.

Blister Beetles: These beetles feed on crops and gardens, so human contact is likely. They are also attracted to light, making your patio another area to be wary of this bug. When the bite happens, the bug releases a chemical that can cause blisters on the skin. The blister usually heals within a few days and does not cause any permanent damage.

These beetles feed on crops and gardens, so human contact is likely. They are also attracted to light, making your patio another area to be wary of this bug. When the bite happens, the bug releases a chemical that can cause blisters on the skin. The blister usually heals within a few days and does not cause any permanent damage. Stag Beetles: They are black to dark brown in color and have large jaws. The male does not have enough strength in his jaws to bite, but the female does. A bite from the female can be painful but does not usually require medical attention.

They are black to dark brown and have large mandibles. The male does not have enough strength in his jaws to bite, but the female does. A bite from the female can be painful but does not usually require medical attention. Longhorn Beetles: These beetles are named for their unusually long antennae. Longhorn beetles feed on firewood and lumber with a high moisture content. Some species also feed on leaves, nectar and pollen. A bite from this species of beetle can cause significant pain that can last for up to a day or two.

Fortunately, bug bites are not common and they are rarely harmful to humans unless the bitten person has an allergic reaction. Bugs play an important role in nature – until they start biting you. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a bug and aren’t sure which type bit you, call your doctor for advice. If you want to bite back, call Terminix®. They will take the bite out of your bug problem.

Woodworm is the collective term for various types of wood-boring insects. Although the name might suggest it, woodworms are not actually worms but the larvae of wood-boring beetles. The female beetles lay their eggs on wood, after the larvae hatch from the eggs, they tunnel into the wood and ingest the wood to survive.

The fleaworm in its larval form spreads through tunneling through the wood in your home, but once they have grown into adult bugs they can actually fly.

While adult woodworm beetles can fly, they don’t do so regularly. Because adult woodworm beetles only have three weeks to live, they don’t typically fly very far. You are more likely to see woodworms crawling on wood or their remains in holes or in the tunnels they create. It is also quite difficult to spot woodworms in flight because they are so small. The most likely time to catch a woodworm beetle in flight is when it flies out of a hole.

Many woodworm insects never actually fly during their lifetime. Our expert assessors can tell this by examining woodworm bodies, if the wing boxes are closed they have never flown.

If you think you may need woodworm treatment or would like to learn more about how to identify a woodworm infestation, contact our team of moisture specialists at Prokil. With a free* moisture survey, we can assess the extent of the problem.

*Charges may apply to selected surveys. You may contact us for more information.