Pest control guide for woodworm

Woodworm

Woodworm isn’t a variety of insect but rather it’s a term used for various beetles which favour different types of wood for their feeding and life cycles. The most common forms of beetle which infest wood in Ireland are the longhorn, furniture or powder post beetle.

Their burrowing behaviour means most of their damage lays beneath the surface, so woodworm can be hard to initially detect and requires an expert eye. We provide a 10yr guarantee with all treatments.

Dangers of woodworm in your home:

Woodworm can weaken structural timbers and flooring, and in extreme cases this can lead to structural failure. It can also attack furniture, antiques or panelling. Due to its serious impact, it will be flagged by surveyors during the evaluation of a home, often preventing it’s sale or purchase.

How to know if you have woodworm:

Woodworm damage can often go unnoticed until it has advanced, but there are key signs to watch out for:

• Tunnels or ‘galleries’: These are the small, winding channels made by the beetles as they burrow through the wood. They can often be seen under the surface of the timber.

• Exit or ‘flight holes’: Small, round holes (usually about 1-2mm in diameter) where adult beetles have emerged from the wood. These holes are a clear indication of an active infestation.

• Boring dust or ‘frass’: This fine, powdery substance is produced as the beetles feed and burrow into the wood. It will often collect around the flight holes or along the surface of the timber.

• Larvae: Creamy-coloured, worm-like larvae that feed inside the wood. They are typically found beneath the surface and may appear as tiny, maggot-like creatures when disturbed.

• Dead or adult beetles: If you spot beetles around your home, it could mean they’ve recently emerged from the timber. The presence of these beetles is a strong sign of an ongoing infestation.

• Crumbling or weakened wood: The most severe sign of woodworm damage — if the wood feels soft or crumbles easily under pressure, it indicates a deep infestation that may compromise the structural integrity of the wood.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Left untreated, woodworm can cause significant damage to the structural timbers, furniture, and flooring in your home. Early detection and professional treatment are essential to prevent further harm and protect your property.

How to get rid of woodworm:

A professional woodworm treatment is applied to break the lifecycle of the beetles and protect the affected timbers. All visible flight holes are identified and treated directly to ensure thorough elimination of the infestation. Our expert technicians use proven, industry-approved products to safeguard your property, with every treatment backed by a 10-year guarantee for complete peace of mind.