Woodworm Treatment & Timber Infestation Control
What is woodworm?
Woodworm is the common name for a range of wood-boring beetle larvae that infest and weaken timber. While adult beetles cause little damage, it’s the larvae — hidden inside the wood — that tunnel and feed for years, gradually reducing timber to a fragile shell.
In UK properties, woodworm most often affects:
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Floorboards and joists
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Roof timbers
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Skirting boards and staircases
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Furniture and built-in timber
Infestations are rarely random. Woodworm almost always follows moisture, which is why professional diagnosis matters.
What causes woodworm in homes?
Woodworm thrives in timber that remains damp or humid for long periods. Common causes include:
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Timber in contact with rising damp or penetrating damp
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Long-term plumbing leaks or roof defects
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Poorly ventilated sub-floor voids or roof spaces
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High indoor humidity from condensation issues
Unless the underlying moisture problem is addressed, woodworm treatment alone will not last.
Can woodworm damage your home?
Yes — and in structural timber, the risk is serious.
Over time, woodworm larvae hollow out wood from the inside. Affected timber may look intact externally but can become weak, brittle and unsafe.
Potential consequences include:
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Sagging or creaking floors
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Loss of load-bearing strength in joists and beams
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Structural instability if left untreated
Furniture damage is usually cosmetic, but structural infestations require urgent professional attention.
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- Damp Proofing
When does woodworm need specialist treatment?
You should arrange a professional inspection if you notice any of the following:
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Small, round exit holes in timber
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Fine powdery dust (frass) beneath or around wood
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Live or dead beetles near windows or floors
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Soft, crumbly or hollow-sounding timber
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Excessive movement or creaking in floors
Woodworm is progressive, not dormant. Early intervention limits damage and cost.
How woodworm is identified
Woodworm species are identified through:
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Hole size and pattern
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Location of infestation
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Timber moisture content
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Presence of active frass or beetles
The most common UK species has a lifecycle lasting 3–4 years, meaning damage often occurs unseen before symptoms appear.
Specialist woodworm treatment
Treatment depends on:
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Timber condition
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Extent of infestation
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Whether the infestation is active
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Presence of damp or moisture sources
Where timber is structurally unsound, it must be removed and replaced. Remaining sound timber is treated with professional-grade insecticidal preservatives to eliminate larvae and prevent reinfestation.
Crucially, any damp or humidity issue must be resolved first to ensure long-term protection.
What to expect
Typical cost of professional woodworm treatment
Costs vary based on severity and access. As a general guide:
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Localised treatment: from ~£1,200 per affected room
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Extensive structural treatment: higher, depending on timber replacement needs
A proper survey ensures you only pay for treatment that is genuinely required.
01
Consultation
Free initial advice & booking
02
Survey
Detailed inspection & report
03
Treatment
Tailored damp proofing solutions
04
Aftercare
Ongoing support & peace of mind
Common types of woodworm in the UK
Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum)
The most widespread species in UK homes. Affects structural and non-structural timber. Damage is caused by larvae feeding for several years inside wood.
Wood-boring Weevils
Less common, typically found in damp or decaying timber. Strongly linked to moisture problems and poor ventilation.
Deathwatch Beetle
Often associated with older buildings and hardwood timbers. Larvae can remain active for up to 10 years, causing severe internal damage if undetected.
Why professional diagnosis matters
Woodworm is often misdiagnosed. Old, inactive exit holes do not always require treatment, while hidden structural infestations can be missed entirely.
A professional survey:
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Confirms whether infestation is active
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Identifies timber moisture sources
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Prevents unnecessary or ineffective treatment
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Protects long-term structural integrity
We deal with rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation issues, and basement waterproofing. Our team finds the root cause and applies the right solution for lasting results.
Yes — we offer free, no‑obligation surveys. One of our specialists will assess your property and explain the best treatment options.
Our damp‑proofing systems are backed by long‑term guarantees. Once treated properly, you won’t need to worry about the issue returning.
Absolutely. We work on residential properties, commercial buildings, and rental homes. No job is too small or too large.
We aim to respond to enquiries the same day and can often arrange a survey within 24–48 hours. Emergency call‑outs are available.
We keep disruption to a minimum. Our team protects your property, carries out the work cleanly, and tidies up after completion
Get in touch
Book a woodworm inspection
If you’re concerned about woodworm, arrange a professional timber inspection. Early diagnosis reduces repair costs and prevents avoidable structural damage.
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Free quotes
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Emergency call-outs
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Local, reliable team