Inspection-led assessment and treatment of wood-boring insects
Woodworm inspection & assessment – £108 inc. VAT
Woodworm and furniture beetle activity can cause significant damage to structural timbers, floorboards, joists and wooden fittings if left untreated. At Pest Shield, all wood-boring insect work starts with a professional inspection, allowing us to confirm whether activity is active, historic or environmental, and recommend the correct course of action.
We provide woodworm and furniture beetle inspections and treatments across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and the wider North East.
Not all holes or timber damage indicate an active infestation. Treating unnecessarily can be costly and ineffective, while failing to identify active insects can lead to long-term structural issues.
During inspection we assess:
Type and condition of affected timber
Presence of exit holes, frass or fresh bore dust
Signs of active versus historic infestation
Moisture levels and environmental conditions
Extent of spread across accessible timbers
Risk to structural elements such as joists and roof timbers
This inspection-led approach ensures treatment is appropriate, targeted and justified.
The most common species encountered include:
Common furniture beetle
Wood-boring beetles affecting softwoods and hardwoods
Secondary beetle activity associated with damp timber
Correct identification is essential, as treatment methods and urgency can vary depending on species and conditions.
Indicators may include:
Small, round exit holes in timber
Fine dust or frass beneath affected wood
Weak, crumbly or damaged timber
Holes appearing seasonally or increasing in number
Timber damage in lofts, floor voids or under stairs
Some infestations remain hidden for years without inspection.
All woodworm work follows a structured process:
Initial inspection
Accessible timbers are examined, including loft spaces, floor voids and visible structural elements.
Activity assessment
We determine whether activity is active, historic or environmental in nature.
Extent and risk evaluation
We assess how widespread the issue is and whether structural timbers are affected.
Clear recommendations
Treatment, monitoring or environmental control options are explained clearly.
Digital reporting
A detailed electronic report is provided, including photographs, findings and next steps.
Where active infestation is confirmed, treatment may include:
Targeted application of appropriate insecticidal treatments
Focused treatment to affected timbers only
Advice on environmental control to reduce future risk
Monitoring where immediate treatment is not required
Unnecessary blanket treatment is avoided unless justified by inspection findings.
Woodworm activity is often linked to:
Elevated moisture levels
Poor ventilation
Historic water ingress
Untreated or older timbers
Addressing underlying conditions is often as important as insect treatment to prevent recurrence.
All inspections are supported by electronic reporting, including:
Inspection photographs
Timber condition notes
Assessment of activity status
Treatment recommendations or monitoring advice
This is particularly useful for landlords, buyers, sellers and insurance purposes.
The woodworm inspection is charged at £108 inc. VAT.
Treatment costs, if required, are quoted following inspection and depend on:
Extent of infestation
Areas affected
Access requirements
Treatment method required
Woodworm and furniture beetle services are available across:
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
Durham
Gateshead
Surrounding areas of the North East
If you’re concerned about timber damage or possible woodworm activity, an early inspection helps determine whether treatment is needed and prevents unnecessary costs.
Call us on 0191 7166647
Contact us online to request an inspection
Pest Shield – Inspection-Led Woodworm & Furniture Beetle Services with Clear Digital Reporting Across the North East.