Woodworm Pests

Signs of woodworm usually consist of tiny holes in wooden items or wooden structures, with live infestations showing powder (feces) around the holes. The size of the holes varies, but is typically 1mm to 1.5mm in diameter for the most common household species. Adult beetles which emerged from the wood may also be found in the summer months. It is the round exit holes that normally identify the timber that has been subjected to a beetle infestation. Once the adult male beetles have emerged from the chamber their sole purpose is to mate with as many female partners in their short lifespan to produce future generations. These pests are seasonal like most other pests, and the woodworm season usually runs from May to October. The most common wood-boring beetle found in British buildings is the Common Furniture Beetle. The wood-boring beetle named the Deathwatch Beetle is an indigenous British insect. Their larva prefers to munch on sapwood and heartwood of hardwoods, usually oak, which have partly decayed or damp. Wood-boring beetles can fly. Their flight is limited to some extent, but still enough to fly through open windows as any other insect would do. The biggest risk of acquiring these pests is when purchasing old or second hand furniture. Ensure to inspect items carefully!