Woodworm

Woodworm is the generic term for a number of species of wood-boring insects. The insects lay their eggs on timber and their larvae bore through the wood thus damaging and weakening the structure. The larvae then pupate before emerging as adult beetles and flying off to lay eggs on fresh timber.

It is the emerging adult which leaves the tell-tale flight holes and bore-dust (often the first signs of infestation). The most common wood-boring insect infesting structural timbers in

buildings in this country is the Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum). The adult beetle is approximately 3mm long and dark brown in colour. It's life cycle averages 2-3 years and flight holes are circular and approximately 2mm in diameter.

Early identification of woodworm infestation often means that a surface treatment with water-based insecticide will kill-off any active infestation and have the residual effect of preventing any re-infestation. Any heavily infested and unsound timber may have to be replaced using structural repair methods.