Woodworm is a
generic term which is commonly used in reference to a number of beetles, the
larvae of which are able to use wood as a source of food. These beetles lay
their eggs on or in timber components within buildings, the larvae
feeds upon the wood.
There
are a number of wood-boring beetles that are commonly misidentified by unqualified
or inexperienced surveyors.
The presence of holes in timber does not automatically indicate that an active
wood-boring beetle is present.
The
Common Furniture beetle is able to attack and infest timbers in dry, well
ventilated situations; suspended ground floors and roofs but the severity
of attack in these areas will usually be quite low. If severe active infestations
are present these will usually be associated with a dampness problem.
In
many instances it is possible to eradicate the infestation using specified chemical
treatments. The preservatives used by Rudders & Paynes are based upon unique
micro-emulsion technology. These are truly water based, have very low odour
and are non-flammable, thus minimising any inconvenience to the occupants of
the affected building, re-entry times being as low as one hour.
Death
Watch Beetle
Xestobium rufovillosum
Common
Furniture Beetle
Anobium
punctatum
It
is quite rare for infestation by the Common Furniture Beetle to cause structural
weakening. When this does occur it is usually in relatively small section timbers.
Where infestation is in softwood flooring boards, it is quite common to have
to replace sections due to severe tunneling in the board edges. This insect
is found throughout Britain.
Death Watch Beetle primarily attacks hardwoods, mainly large section timbers
of Oak and Elm.Established infestations will invariably cause substantial structural
weakening of timbers, often resulting in the hollowing out of large dimension
timber beams. Infestations are frequently found in joist ends embedded in masonry,
wall plates, sole plates; generally areas where the timber members are prone
to dampness.
