Timber Treatment

Woodworm

There are two species of beetle that are invasive and destructive to timber here in the UK, namely the Common Furniture Beetle and the Death Watch Beetle and when in the larvae stage, they are referred to as woodworm. The adult beetles burrow into timber and lay their eggs, which then hatch and turn into larvae that consume wood pulp, destroying timber on a consistent basis.

Continuous Life Cycle

Woodworm will stay wherever the conditions are right and unless action is taken, the cycle continues and the timber loses its structural integrity. At London Damp Specialists, we are very experienced at eradicating woodworm and should you notice any signs of this destructive insect, contact us for the best long-term solution. It makes complete sense to inspect the building on a regular basis, as early detection saves money.

Tell-Tale Signs of Woodworm

The common signs that indicate the presence of woodworm include the following:

• Tiny holes in wood – The most obvious sign of woodworm presence is rows of tiny holes, with small mounds of dust by each hole. The beetles burrow into wood to lay their eggs and will continue to do this until something is done to eradicate the insects.
• Off-white coloured eggs – While most are deposited into the holes, some are left on the surface, which is a sure sign that woodworm are present.
• Sighting adult beetles – Although they are generally discreet, you might see adult beetles coming and going and should that be the case, you can assume they are actively reproducing and the best solution is to call in London Damp Specialists.
• Crumbling wood – Once woodworm are present, it doesn’t take long before timber starts to crack, especially at the edges, as the larvae consume wood pulp, causing the material to split.
• Dead adult beetles – Of course, the cycle of life continues and if you notice dead black beetles on the floor, this could mean your home is being used by woodworm.

If you notice any of the above, don’t delay, contact London Damp Specialists today and let the woodworm specialists inspect your London home and if woodworm is present, we will find it.

Best Treatments for Woodworm

It is critical that all traces of the insect is eradicated; missing a few eggs will result in a continuation of the infestation. For this reason, we use the highest grade water-based insecticide treatments, which ensures that all wood boring insects and their larvae are exterminated. Once woodworm is detected, we recommend treating all timber in the building, which is the only way to be 100% sure that the issue will be resolved.

Immediate Occupation

The major advantage of using a water-based insecticide is that the property can be occupied within a few hours of treatment and it is very safe for humans and pets too. Our damp-proofing teams have years of hands-on experience in dealing with woodworm, wet and dry rot, so you can rest assured that the issue will be resolved.

Wet and Dry Rot

Certain fungi can destroy timber and wet and dry rot require different treatments, depending on the fungal species and the severity of the infestation.

Tell-Tale Signs of Timber Rot

Signs of timber rot include:

• A musty smell in the home
• Visible fungal growth
• Timber that is soft to the touch
• Dark or discoloured wood
• Crumbling and cracking timber
• Bubbling paint
• Rust coloured spore dust

If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately, as time is of the essence and we can arrange for a qualified damp surveyor to assess the property, which would lead to a quote and recommended treatment. We issue an unconditional 30-year guarantee on all work undertaken; if any area that we have treated needs remedial work, we will carry it out at no cost to the customer.

Mould and mildew are typically present with both types of fungal growth and if you suspect that timber in your home is under attack from wet or dry rot, contact London Damp Specialists on 020 8242 9391 or fill in the survey booking form on this website and we can arrange for a PCA-certified surveyor to inspect your London home.