Woodworm (Furniture Beetle)

Where it lives

Structural roof and floor timbers, staircases, door frames, antique and second-hand furniture, plywood backing and wicker. Prefers timber with a raised moisture content.

Signs

• Round exit holes 1–2 mm across in timber surfaces
• Fine gritty bore dust (frass) beneath furniture and beams
• Weak, crumbling timber edges, especially at bearing ends
• Live beetles on window sills near affected timber in early summer
• Tunnels visible in broken or cut timber

Risks

• Progressive structural weakening of roof and floor timbers
• Serious damage to antique and inherited furniture
• Costly repairs when discovered late in load-bearing timber
• Damp-related decay often accompanies infestation

Prevention

• Control damp. Dry timber is far less attractive to the beetle
• Ventilate roof voids, cellars and under-floor spaces
• Inspect second-hand and antique furniture before bringing it in
• Treat and seal exposed structural timber

Treatment

We survey to establish whether the infestation is active, then apply a boron or permethrin-based timber treatment by spray or injection, along with paste or gel for deeper structural sections. Severely weakened timber is identified for repair or replacement. We issue a written report and treatment certificate, which is often required for property sales and bank valuations.