WOOD WORM
WHAT IS WOOD WORM
Wood worm is the generic term given to a series of insects that derive their nourishment from the carbohydrates and cellulose to be found naturally in woodlands and forests. They can feed on wood substances long after the trees are felled, and so find their way into our homes within converted timber products.
Small bore holes in the face of timber, tiny eggs laid in cracks or crevices, wood worm grubs, dead or alive adult beetles and fine bore dust are all signs that an infestation exists.
If left unchecked, the resultant damage can lead to sagging floorboards, damaged furniture and a loss of structural integrity to floor and roof timbers.
CAUSES
In the UK the most common species of wood worm are the Common Furniture Beetle, Death Watch Beetle and the Powder Post Beetle. They lay their eggs upon both softwoods and hardwoods and will flourish in damp and humid conditions.
Adult insects lay their eggs in the cracks or crevices of timber which is the food source for the larva. When hatched, the larvae bore deep into the wood and remain there for several years, approaching the surface when ready to pupate. Upon pupation, the adults emerge between early spring and late summer, find a mate and the life cycle is repeated.
SOLUTIONS
The first step in the treatment of wood worm is to correctly identify the species present. This will avoid costly, unnecessary work. In addition, it is vital to identify the source of dampness that allows the insect to flourish.
Once these aims have been achieved, a free GHA Environmental survey will then recommend a treatment and remediation programme. This programme will be the most cost-effective measure to remove the insect from your property, remedy the source of damp and rectify any damage caused to your timbers.
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