Woodworm.
WHAT IS WOODWORM?
Woodworm is the common term used to refer to the larvae of all wood boring beetles. There are several species found in the UK, but most of the damage is caused by the offspring of the Common Furniture beetle.
It can be tricky to tell if you have an active woodworm infestation as the main damage is caused inside the timber and you’re unlikely to see any visible results for years. However, there are a number of telltale signs that can help you identify a potential woodworm infestation:
– Small round holes in your woodwork, typically 1mm to 2mm in diameter
– Fine, powdery dust around these holes (known as frass)
– Crumbly edges to boards and joists
– Tunnels within the timber
– Weak or damaged timbers or flooring
During the summer months (woodworm season is May to October), you may also spot adult wood boring beetles emerging from holes within the timber. Once a wood boring beetle has chewed itself out of hiding, it instinctively heads for light. So check for live or dead beetles around a suspected woodworm infestation and on the windowsills. Steely Blue beetles are the main predators of the Common Furniture beetle, so if you see them wandering around it’s probably because they’ve found a good food source close by.
Exit holes are probably the most obvious sign, but they do not occur until the adult beetles are ready to leave the timber, years after hatching as woodworm larvae. So it’s good practice to look for signs of frass on the back or underside of old furniture.
Finding holes and frass on your furniture or flooring isn’t always a cause for concern, they might just be signs of a previous woodworm infestation which has long been dormant.
How we treat Woodworm
Treating woodworm can be difficult, especially when your property is subject to an infestation. This is why we offer three specialist woodworm treatments that deal with woodworm within any property.
Identify the problem
The first step is to establish the extent and severity of the problem. The majority of woodworm damage can be seen, but there is also a percentage which can’t.
Carry out structural tests
We carry these out to determine wether the timber needs, repaired, treated or replaced and to keep the work as cost-effective as possible for you.
Select the appropriate treatment
Once the extent of the problem is identified, the appropriate treatments can be applied. Treating woodworm can be as simple as a chemical spray.
Carry out work
Finally, our expert team will carry out the required woodworm treatment, ensuring the highest of standards and that your home or property is left clean and safe.
We are Scotlands leading preservation company
Based just outside of Edinburgh City Centre, we are the leading preservation experts in your area, serving the whole of the central belt from Edinburgh to Glasgow and everywhere in between.
Not sure if we cover your area? Contact us on info@firstcall.uk.netOur Business Values
Our fundamental business values drive all that we do. By committing to these we ensure that every interaction you have with our company and service is of the highest standard.
Safety
Safety is our number one priority, so we put maximum effort into ensuring our workforce, workspace and final service is safe, protected and compliant.
Innovation
As a company we are constantly applying better solutions to our workforce. We have created various technical advances within the Home Services and Insurance Repair markets.
People
Our workforce is made up of people with the right attitude, not just the relevant skills. Then we invest whatever it takes to keep them performing at their best year after year.
Service
We pride ourselves in providing all of our clients with the best possible experience – whether it’s a small one-off job or a larger refurbishment, we ensure the highest standards.
