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. In some cases, the damage, usually minor, can be caused by species such as Bark Borer Beetle (Ernobius Mollis) or Pinhole Borer Beetle, commonly known as Ambrosia Beetle, (families Playpodidae, Scolytidae and Lymexylidae - many species).

Usually neither of these beetles will require any form of treatment with the damage noted being historical in nature. The beetles will generally have been eradicated during the preparation of the timber for use, where drying and removal of the bark would take place prior to the timber being used.

WOOD-BORING BEETLES
Commonly referred to as woodworm.

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, their resulting larvae feeding upon the wood whilst boring tunnels within. The life cycle of these beetles is broadly similar but there are variations in the duration of each stage in the life-cycle. The extent of attack and resulting damage will depend upon factors relating to the species of beetles, the type of timber, moisture content and length of infestation.

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. The penetration achieved with these micro-emulsions compares with that of solvent based (white spirit) solutions. Micro-emulsion treatments minimise the inconvenience to building occupants with Health & Safety Executive approved re-entry times being as low as one hour.

 

There are occasions, where the attack is particularly long-standing and severe, which may necessitate reinforcing or replacing any timbers that may have been structurally weakened. This is also likely to occur where the infestation is found in conjunction with fungal decay to the timber components. It is essential that a thorough survey of an affected building be carried out by a qualified remedial treatment surveyor. Only when the species of wood-boring beetles and extent of attack have been accurately determined, can a reliable recommendation be made as to the need for chemical treatment.

Should a Rudders & Paynes surveyor recommend that chemical treatment is necessary, a specification for the correct and most cost effective eradication measures will be included within our survey report.