The name woodworm
is a commonly used generic term for a number of species of wood boring
insects. These lay their eggs in or on timber.
Woodworm attack
is varied - both in the type of timber which different species infest and
their larval life span which can range from ten months to 11 years. The
damage to timber by wood boring insects is caused by their larvae feeding
upon and boring through the wood leaving a network of tunnels that weaken
the structure, not to mention the unhygienic aspects of an insect infestation.
Common Furniture
Beetle (Anobium punctatum)
Responsible
for about 75% of all woodworm damage to property, attacking both soft and
hard wood. The adult is approximately 3mm long and chocolate brown in colour.
It is able to fly. Flight holes are 2mm in diameter. Life cycle is 3 years
and up to 80 eggs are laid.
Death Watch
Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)
The most damaging
wood borer in old buildings, attacking hardwood which has suffered some
fungal decay. 6 to 8mm long and grey/brown in colour the adult emerges
from 4mm diameter round holes. Life cycle is 5-6 years and eggs are laid
in clusters.
House Longhorn
Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus)
This grey/brown
to black insect (25mm long) is found in the southern Home Counties. It
attacks only softwood but because of its size and ability to bore extensively
through sapwood and into heartwood, the damage caused is both rapid and
severe. Flight holes are oval up to 9mm by 6mm. Life cycle is 5-11 years
and up to 200 eggs are laid.
Wood Boring
Weevils (Euophryum confine & Pentarthrum huttonii)
Established
in the UK post war but already widespread and associated with Wet Rot decay.
The adult is 3-5mm in length, blackish brown and identifiable by its long
snout. Flight holes are small 1mm in diameter and ragged around the edges.
 
 
Treatment: If
necessary we will cut out heavily infested timbers and replace with pre-treated
sections. For
deep seated attacks by death Watch Beetle in large structural hardwoods,
in churches for instance, fumigation treatments may be recommended.
Ask for
a free survey and quotation by either phoning or E-mailing
us.
owenpreservation@gmail.com
Tel: 01915810705
Mobile: 07703452801
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