Woodworm Control Solution
Ultimate Pest Control provides an industry-leading Woodworm Control Solution. Our technicians' service Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, and Leinster. We provide service to residential and commercial properties. A woodworm infestation is a serious issue. Left untreated, it can cause serious structural issues. An infestation is hard to detect. Infestation isn't obvious until the end of the woodworm lifecycle. At which point, they begin the process again. Therefore, if you spot the signs, act immediately.
A professional woodworm survey is needed ASAP. Our survey determines if there is an active infestation. We then identify the species. Therefore, ensuring we use the correct treatment for woodworm. We also assess the extent of the damage. Our woodworm treatment is safe, effective and extensive. Once complete, we guarantee your problem will be solved.
Woodworm Control Solution:
- Inspection to Assess Severity of Woodworm Infestation
- Identification of the Species
- Assessment for damage. For example Wood Rot or Damp
- Bespoke Woodworm Treatment
- Follow Up Service
- 10 Year Guarantee
All About Woodworm
Woodworm is not actually a worm. It is wood-eating larvae. The larvae are from many species of wood-boring beetles.
The woodworm lifecycle is fascinating. Firstly, adult beetles lay eggs in crevices found in wood. Secondly, the eggs hatch and larvae burrow down. And begin eating the wood. This stage lasts anything from 1 – 11 years. Depending on the species. However, it often goes undetected. Because they are eating down into the wood. This can cause serious structural damage.
Finally, the larvae enter the pupal stage. It tunnels towards the surface and emerges as a beetle. The beetle eats its way out. Creating holes on the surface of the wood. Once free, they begin mating immediately. Males live 4 days so they try and mate as much as possible. On the other hand, females live for two weeks. So they lay their eggs in the wood again before dying. Thus starting the cycle again.
Woodworm Beetle Species in Ireland
Common Furniture Beetle:
- Roughly 4mm in Length
- Chocolate Brown in Colour
- Most Common Cause of Woodworm. They infest hardwood and softwood
Powder Post Beetle:
- Roughly 7mm in Length
- Reddish Brown in Colour
- Infests Hardwoods. For example Sycamore, Oak, Walnut and Elm
House Longhorn Beetle:
- Ranging from 8 – 25mm in Length
- Blackish Brown in Colour
- Infests softwoods like pine and spruce. Most likely to infest timber in roof spaces
The Dangers of Woodworm
Woodworm is not directly dangerous to humans. As they do not cause illness or bite. However, woodworm can cause serious property damage. A woodworm infestation can be undetectable for years. Over that period of time, they can seriously weaken timber. To the point of structural components giving way. Potentially resulting in major damages. Or worse, serious injuries.
An infestation of floorboards or furniture is not dangerous. But if there is extensive damage it can be expensive. Furniture and floorboards will need to be replaced.
Dangerous Infestation Locations:
Do you have a Woodworm Infestation?
- Exit holes found in wood. Usually, this is the first sign of an infestation. It is caused by the beetles emerging from the wood. They are oval in shape.
- Bore dust caused by the adult beetle exiting. Usually visible below the infested timber.
- Tunnels in the wood. These are caused by the woodworm larvae feeding. However, they can be hard to see. Unless the wood is broken open.
- Damaged wood that is weak and crumbles when touched.
- Seeing live or dead beetles indicates an infestation. Beetles typically emerge between May and October.
Can I Prevent a Woodworm Infestation?
There are ways to prevent an infestation. Firstly, woodworm prefers timber with high moisture content. Therefore, it is important to keep your humidity levels low. Additionally, ensure the wood is well ventilated and dry.
Secondly, remove any potentially infested furniture immediately. This will prevent the woodworm from spreading. Additionally, seal the wood with varnish. This makes it hard for beetles to penetrate the wood.
