If you think you’ve spotted termites in your home, don’t panic—they don’t live in the UK! What you’re most likely dealing with is woodworm.
Woodworm isn’t actually a worm but the larvae of various beetles that bore into wood. You won’t see them directly, but you will notice small round holes in wood—these are exit holes where the adult beetles have emerged.
Many homeowners only discover an infestation during a survey or home inspection. These beetles naturally lay eggs on dead trees, often choosing pine or decaying wood. Unfortunately, if they come across untreated timber in your home, they’ll treat it the same way!
🔹 Adult beetles don’t eat wood—they survive on pollen. Their primary goal is to mate and lay eggs. 🔹 The eggs hatch into tiny larvae that bore deep into the wood, feeding on it as they grow. 🔹 This boring weakens the timber, which can become structurally unsound over time. 🔹 Larvae can stay inside the wood for up to six years before emerging as adult beetles! 🔹 When they’re ready to transform into adults, they chew their way out, leaving behind powdery frass (wood dust) as a telltale sign.
At Pest Shield, we use professional-grade insecticide containing Permethrin, a highly effective synthetic pyrethroid. This specially formulated treatment: ✅ Prevents future infestations by killing eggs on the treated surfaces. ✅ Lasts for years, providing long-term protection. ✅ Is guaranteed to protect the treated wood for up to ten years.
💡 Important: You may still see new exit holes for up to six years after treatment—this is due to larvae already inside the wood before treatment.
If you suspect woodworm in your loft or other wooden areas of your home, don’t wait! Call Pest Shield today for expert advice and treatment.
📍 Serving Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham & the North East. ☎️ Contact us now to book an inspection!