Help! woodworm!

7 replies

mabelbabel · 24/10/2014 16:52

We've found some woodworm damage in our understairs cupboard (in the floorboards and in the stairs). How do we know if this is current or historic? And howcan we deal with it without getting completely ripped off? (i'm worried it could get expensive). I'm inclined to get "professionals" in. Is this a good idea?

OP posts:

Greencheese · 24/10/2014 17:57

Hi, the way to see if it's hystoric or current is of there is bits of dust near the holes,,ie the bits they are spitting out as they eat the out through the wood. I've had professionals in on my old house and funnerly enough am just buying another house that's needs it treating. It's honestly not a big job, they just come in and spray it for you. I'd maybe google a local small company. The nationals can be a bit more pricey.

Original poster

mabelbabel · 25/10/2014 07:15

Ah, that's reassuring. I'm not sure about fresh sawdust - some holes are on vertical
surfaces and others are on an already dusty floor. Will watch it though.

OP posts:

specialsubject · 25/10/2014 13:55

I bought a house with signs of it, no dust or signs of recent activity.

sold it nearly 20 years later with no increase in the holes. The worms had evidently gone.

Original poster

mabelbabel · 27/10/2014 14:45

Thanks for further reassurance. I'm crossing my fingers!

OP posts:

PigletJohn · 27/10/2014 21:16

hoover up to remove all dust, then you will see if there is new. Frass is not spat out.

It is presumably an old house. Woodworm likes warmth and moisture. In a modern house with CH, the wood will be too dry for them to live, unless you keep it damp with wet washing or frequent showers.

You can have it sprayed at modest cost, this is usually done to satisfy mortgage companies if worm is picked up on survey.

Original poster

mabelbabel · 28/10/2014 08:10

Ok we will Hoover and watch. It is not damp, BUT it may have been under previous owner (over-occuppied and under-equipped). Nothing on survey, but the survey was rubbish.

OP posts:

CerealMom · 28/10/2014 15:37

www.restorationuk.com/wood-preservatives-and-timber-treatment.html

You can treat affected areas with a water based insecticide and you can even (if you have the patience) inject the insecticide into the holes.

If you have a log burner, just bring in what you need for the night/day. It's a common way to bring in the worm.

Flip