Woodworm in Northumberland

Woodworms are not very common in the United Kingdom, but an infestation can be very destructive. Woodworm refers to the larvae stage of several unique species of beetle, the most typical of which is the Common Furniture Beetle. These pest insects lay their eggs within damp or rotten wood. When these eggs hatch, small larvae begin to eat the wood around them, which is what causes the holes in wood. The exit holes are made as the larvae transforms into an adult beetle which then leaves the wood. The beetles are capable of flying and will generally leave the area to breed. However, they may return to lay eggs. In extreme cases, these insects may damage structural elements of a building which can have severe effects.

Signs of a woodworm infestation include cracking noises coming from wood in the home or furniture, as well as the visual indications which are the exit holes present in wood and wood dust ordinarily found below infested wood. Woodworm infestations should be controlled by professional pest control pros. It may also be necessary to have a structural survey performed as woodworms are often a sign of damp. Even if the woodworms have not caused serious damage themselves, the damp or rotten wood that they live in could cause a structural problem in the building.

Woodworm treatment is relatively straightforward once the damaged area has been properly located. The wood can be coated with a liquid or lacquer that may stop any larvae inside from exiting and suffocate them, or for more considerable infestations fumigation is often used to ensure that the pests are successfully controlled.