woodworm treatment

[scruff]

Does anyone know of a safe woodworm treatment are the sprays safe! Thanks Scruff

[Squarer]

here
www.healthy-and here

If you want a real DIY approach, pour methylated spirits into the holes. Then, as a precaution, fill each and every hole with wax from a candle. That way you will know for sure if the worm is still alive as you will get more holes. I have used both methylated spirits and the stuff you get in a little tin that squirts into the holes. Both have worked.
HTH

[Squarer]

here

[scruff]

Thanks a million, I put down a wood floor 2 years ago and now discovered woodworm in one floorboard do u know if it spreads quickly. Thanks Scruff

[Squarer]

It does spread quickly if left untreated, BUT in general terms you would know if it had as they generally come to the surface.... I have never seen a case of "undercover-worm" - they burrow round and about and you see them. To put oyur mind at rest, would it be possible to take up the floorboards directly to each side so you can inspect them properly?
It is interesting you have had the floor down 2 years and they have only recently come to light in one board.... what do the holes look like? Are they dark or light? Are they running along the boards or mole holes?

[scruff]

They arelight and leaving small piles of dust, but apparently the larva can live in sap wood for up to 5 years before coming to the surface. I would treat the board but I have a 1 year old and am afraid of fumes!!! Th company that laid the floor are coming to replace the board but I am afraid of it spreading in the meantime!!!!

[Squarer]

In the first instance then I would say it is their responsibility to check for any spread to adjacent timber. Speak to them and see what they say.

FWIW, I wouldn't (and don't) use any aerosol spray in front of my baby, particularly not a powerful insecticide such as the stuff used to kill woodworm. If you do ever need to treat, use the stuff that looks like a tiny oil can with a nozzle on the top and then cover it with a rug for a while, or methylated spirits as that evaporates so you can treat when he's gone to bed.

[Squarer]

this is interesting

I think it is a bit misleading to talk about them just being flight holes though, as we both know that active woodworm produce a sawdust like deposit and that does rather have to come out of somewhere... such as surface holes!