How do you know if woodworm is active?
Often following a building survey ‘ woodworm ‘ is reported to be present particularly in roof or floor timbers and the possibility of catastrophic structural failure is indicated. In truth such destruction is rarely seen however it is always a possibility and as such every indication of an infestation should be inspected and remedial work taken as necessary. The hardest part of the process is to correctly diagnose if activity is present or historical so to start with there are some easy indicators: New exit holes in timbers, the size and shape will also determine the type of wood boring beetle. The most common, which is normally referred to as ‘woodworm’, is the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) and this leaves a round hole 1-2mm in diameter. It does depend on the type of timber but a new hole is often ‘bright’ with a typical new wood colour where as an older hole may become dark and less smooth. Dust, visible bore dust known as ‘Frass’ below the holes is often the easi...
