Woodworm in stairs

[parrotonmyshoulder]

I’ve just noticed holes in my wooden stairs that I think are woodworm. Quick look online suggests wildly varying options. Wondered if any experts here could suggest the best course of action? Contacting a pest control person?

It’s probably in all the floorboards too! Can’t see them as they’re under carpet.

Unless your house is damp or has multiple water leaks.

The wood worm could be a) old and not active b) localised to an area e.g leaking gutter against stair wall.

Wood worm like wood with a higher water content than you usually find in a house. They won’t last long in wood with a moisture level below 18%

If it was me. I’d solve any leaks or ventilation issues.

Coat the wood with a wood worm mixture if accessible. Then cover the holes be it with paint,bees wax or masking tape depending where the holes are located and check for new holes in the summer...

Thanks. No damp and the holes are new (last few weeks I’m sure, since I last bothered hoovering the stairs).

I was feeling a bit panicky as the house has three wooden staircases and lots of floorboards, but now realise it’s pretty minor and treatable, and that the house isn’t about to fall down!

I’d like a non-borax treatment so am looking for something.

If they are new and active you should be able to see the little piles of sawdust they made creating them.