Woodworm, the name given to several different types of woodboring insects, is currently not as much of a problem in the UK as it is in other countries. However, this does not mean that it can be totally ignored. Traditionally built brick houses have little in the structure which can be attacked by woodworm, the notable exception being the roof trusses. However, as house building practices change to include more wooden framed houses, the problem of woodworm is likely to become a problem for more and more homeowners.
Of course it is not only the structure of a house which can be damaged by woodboring insects, solid wood furniture and flooring is also at risk. Woodworm particularly like the linings of drawers and the backs of wardrobes (more so solid wood than MDF or chipboard) because they have a taste for some of the glues used and these areas are usually untreated. Finding, identifying and treating woodworm quickly is essential to stopping further damage and further spreading of the larvae.
Types of Woodworm
Woodworm, as mentioned above, is actually a generic name given to the larvae of several types of beetle. In the UK the most widespread is the Common Furniture Beetle, but there are several other types of woodboring insect you may come across.
Common Furniture Beetle
Adult furniture bettles are small (between 2.5mm and 5mm long), brown and can be difficult to spot. They lay their eggs in the cracks of seasoned timber, preferring humid and unventilated areas. The larvae then burrows into the wood for up to 4 years eating the starch in the woodgrain, before creating a small area near the surface of the wood and pupating. Adult beetles then hatch out and break out through a small hole. This hole, and the dust (or frass), may be the first visible sign of an infestation. The adult beetle then looks for another crack to lay eggs and the process continues. It is thought that 75% of UK houses contain at least some Common Furniture Beetles
Deathwatch Beetle
Not as common in the UK as other types of woodboring insects, but still a problem in some areas. The deathwatch beetle larvae grow up to about 7mm long and create much larger holes of up to 6mm in diametre, so an infestation can very quickly cause major damage. Deathwatch beetles prefer hardwoods such as oak or elm, and so can be a particular problem in older houses where these materials are more commonly seen as part of the house structure. Deathwatch beetle larvae can bore through the wood for up to 7 years before emerging as adults. Authorities are keen to keep the levels of deathwatch low, so if you think you have an infestation, it is a good idea to contact your local Environmental Health Department.
House Longhorn Beetle
Also sometimes called the Old-House Borer Beetle, the House Longhorn actually does not prefer old houses over new builds. The House Longhorn damages wood in the same way as the common furniture beetle, by laying eggs in cracks and splits, with the larvae then b...
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