Recognizing woodworm in your home? Seven clear signs in a row

 

                                   

Woodworm can slowly affect your home without you noticing it right away. A woodworm is the larva of wood-boring beetles that burrows deep into the wood and can cause years of damage. This is why it is crucial to recognize woodworm early on. In this blog, we explain what exactly woodworm is, why it is dangerous for your home, and most importantly, how to recognize and prevent the signs of woodworm.

What exactly is woodworm?

Although the name suggests otherwise, woodworm is not a worm but the larva of several wood-boring beetles. The best-known species are the common woodworm beetle and the pied rodent beetle. These insects lay their eggs on wooden surfaces. The larvae that hatch from them bore into the wood and can burrow for years without being visible. Only when they develop into beetles and come out will you see the first signs.

Active woodworm infestation can lead to serious wood deterioration. Beams, floors, furniture or window frames lose their strength from the inside out. That’s why identifying woodworm in time is so important – it prevents a lot of damage and costs.

Why woodworm is so dangerous to your home

You can’t see a woodworm infestation right away. That makes it extra treacherous. While your house still looks good on the outside, the wood inside may already be affected. This is especially dangerous with wooden support structures. If the damage spreads, beams may sag or break.

Furniture is also vulnerable. Old or antique wooden furniture is especially attractive to these beetles. The larvae bore through the wood unseen, slowly destroying your treasured possessions. By regularly checking your woodwork and recognizing signs of woodworm, you can intervene before it’s too late.

Seven signs that you have woodworm in your home

Want to recognize woodworm? Then pay attention to these common symptoms:

1. Small round holes in wood (1-3 mm)
   These holes occur when the adult beetle leaves the wood. They are often clustered in such things as beams or pieces of furniture.
2. Fine boron dust (wood dust) under or around wood
   This sawdust-like dust indicates recent activity. If you see boron dust, wipe it away and see if new dust appears.
3. Weak, brittle or hollow-sounding wood
   In severe wood deterioration, the wood loses its strength. You can sometimes pierce it easily with a screwdriver.
4. Loose paint or wood veneer
   You can also recognize woodworm by, for example, loose paint on wooden surfaces. This occurs because the structure of the wood is affected by corridors of the larvae.
5. Dead beetles in the house (2-5 mm in size)
   See small brown or black beetles near windows or under furniture? Those could be wood beetles that have worked their way out of the wood.
6. Cracks or cracks in wood surfaces
   These can occur from drying out or internal damage, often caused by woodworm.
7. Gnawing noises, especially at night
   In quiet rooms you can sometimes hear the gnawing of active larvae. This is a clear sign of an active infestation.

When you recognize these woodworm symptoms, it is important to act quickly. Have an expert determine if the infestation is still active.

What should you do if you recognize these signs?

The biggest mistake people make when they recognize woodworm is waiting too long or doing it themselves. Woodworm lives deep in the wood and cannot be easily controlled with remedies from the hardware store. You can do this better:

• Get a professional inspection done. A specialist knows exactly what to look for and can confirm if it is active woodworm.
• Do not move infested wood to prevent the spread of beetles.
• Take pictures of suspicious spots for proper analysis.
• Have the wood professionally treated. Specialist methods such as injections or heat treatment are much more effective than do-it-yourself solutions.

Want to learn more about how we can help you with woodworm control? Then check out our woodworm treatment or contact us directly.

How can you prevent woodworm in the future?

Preventing woodworm is better than fixing it afterwards. Here are some preventive tips:

• Treat wood with protective agents. Especially in damp areas or new carpentry.
• Ventilate your home well, voorpecially in crawl spaces, basements or attics.
• Avoid untreated used wood
  Always check furniture or shelves for holes or borings.
• Have an annual inspection
  Especially in older homes, regular inspections are smart.
• Do not store damp wood indoors
  Moisture attracts beetles and makes wood attractive as a nesting site.

If you doubt whether the wood in your home is still in good condition, have a professional wood inspection done. Prevention saves a lot of trouble and costs.

Recognizing woodworm is the key to preventing damage to your home or furniture. Pay close attention to the signs: small holes, borings, weak spots or dead beetles. By acting in time and taking preventive measures, you can avoid worse. Always call in a specialist for a thorough inspection and effective woodworm control.

Want to make sure your home is woodworm-free? Then trust the experienced specialists at OFS Services.