Woodworm infestations can go unnoticed for years, causing significant damage to timber structures in homes across Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham. Often, it’s only when a property survey is conducted that the extent of the problem is discovered. Older properties, in particular, are susceptible to wood-boring beetle activity, commonly referred to by surveyors as “evidence of wood-boring beetles.”
The common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum), native to the UK, is responsible for the majority of woodworm infestations. This beetle prefers to lay eggs on dead trees, with pine being the wood of choice, but it can also target decaying timber in your home.
Woodworm activity can be tricky to spot, but there are clear signs that indicate an infestation:
Exit Holes: The most obvious sign is the presence of small exit holes in wooden furniture or structural timber. These holes are created when beetle larvae emerge after years of feeding.
Frass (Powder): A fine, gritty powder near the exit holes is a tell-tale sign of recent woodworm activity. This frass is produced by the larvae as they feed inside the timber.
Woodworm larvae feed on timber, boring tunnels as they go. Over time, this process weakens the structure of the wood, which can lead to serious issues, especially with floorboards, beams, and joists. While adult beetles don’t cause direct damage, their larvae can create significant problems if left untreated.
If you live in Newcastle, Sunderland, or Durham, don’t wait for the damage to escalate. Be proactive and contact PEST-SHIELD to protect your property.
To ensure our treatment is effective, we ask that you prepare the following:
Dust-Free Surfaces: Make sure all areas where treatment will be applied are free of dust to allow the insecticide to penetrate effectively.
Loft Spaces: Clear all items, including loft insulation, to provide full access to the infested timber.
Floorboards and Joists: Lift carpets, plasterboard, or any coverings to expose the wood beneath.
Please note: Our technicians are pest control specialists, not builders. While we can assist with removing coverings, we’re not responsible for any damage that may occur during the preparation process.
After we apply the treatment, please follow these guidelines:
Ventilate the Area: Open windows to allow proper ventilation and ensure the treated area dries completely.
Avoid Contact: Keep people and pets away from treated surfaces until they are dry. If the insecticide comes into contact with skin, wash it off immediately.
At PEST-SHIELD, we use a specialised timber treatment insecticide to treat all accessible timbers in your property. This treatment eliminates any woodworm eggs and provides long-term protection, remaining effective for years.
However, it’s important to note that the treatment won’t kill larvae already inside the wood. As a result, you may still see adult beetles or exit holes for up to 6 years after treatment. Over time, though, the treatment significantly reduces the risk of future infestations and damage.
Woodworm Lifecycle: Woodworm larvae can stay inside timber for up to 6 years, causing gradual damage to the wood as they feed and grow.
Adult Furniture Beetles: Adult beetles feed on pollen and lay their eggs on timber. The larvae then bore into the wood, weakening its structure.
Emergence and Damage: As larvae mature, they bore to the surface of the wood, pupate, and eventually emerge as adults. This leaves behind the signature exit holes and frass as signs of activity.
Pest Control ServicesPEST-SHIELD provides expert pest control services in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham—keeping homes and businesses safe and pest-free.
For fast, reliable, and safe pest control solutions. Call us on 0191 7166647
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