wood bore infestation

[BobbyGentry]

From the home report.

Do any Mumsnetters know about the wood bore infestation and specific treatment knowledge needed from a timber specialist for the recommended remedial work to prevent further decay to the timbers?

“Traces of wood bore infestation were noted to timbers within the property including accessible roof timbers. In the absence of valid guarantees for previous timber specialist treatment works, a reputable timber specialist should carry out a full and thorough inspection of all timbers within the property and provide estimates for any recommended remedial work.”

How old is the house? Old houses always have evidence of woodworm.
very few people get a proper company in to treat woodworm. There are other wood boring insects but woodworm is most common. Generally the appropriate spray is purchased and used.

It’s not going to be affecting whole beams if it’s only traces. It may or may not be active. If the house is cold and damp woodworm is more active.

Logs for log burners are a common source of woodworm

@BobbyGentry

I don't know the answers but if this is a homebuyers report ( not a full survey - although my advice would probably be the same ) I would do exactly as advised . Now , I would say surveyor's or home reports can sound scarier than they are & can / may just point out anything to cover themselves. If it were me I would pay for an inspection and quote for this - but just my opinion. I suspect if there is evidence they will need to blast the little perishers (technical term ) or you've wasted a bit of money if they are long gone.

Sorry not very helpful but a purely personal opinion

Best of luck & hope someone with more knowledge comes along

That’s very helpful to wrap my head round; especially that they maybe long gone. Have hopefully contacted a specialist and hopefully they’ll be happy to view and advise accordingly. The house was built in the 1950s.

The woodworm is probably long gone but a surveyor will always list 'traces' of anything to cover themselves. At worst you'll have to get a treatment sprayed or painted on. I'd get more than one price on it. Some of the treatment specialists don't exactly 'minimise' the job, iykwim.

Thank you, that’s good to know.

Woodworm 'treatments' don't actually work as they can't penetrate deep enough to have an effect. The best 'cure' for woodworm is eradicating moisture from the wood through decent ventilation, breathable materials etc.

I had mine in the structural survey report - victorian terrace property - haven't worried about it. Still exchanged and waiting for completion. as mentioned, its more whether the property is damp and the surveyor said it wasn't a damp property so unlikely to be active as a result (imo)

However lets see after i move in ;)

Well noted and thanks! Good luck @hotshota 🍀

It came up in the survey for our house almost 20 years ago. We had a specialist out who sprayed the treatment around. It was easy enough. We couldn’t be in the house for something like 24 hours after spray was applied. I think it cost about £500, but like I say, many years ago now. We have never had any problems with wood or floorboards in all the years we have lived here.

Thank you, that’s helpful to know.

If you’re dealing with a wood bore infestation, it's crucial to consult a reputable timber specialist. They should conduct a comprehensive inspection of all timbers, including accessible roof timbers, and provide detailed estimates for any necessary remedial work. Without valid guarantees from previous treatments, professional advice is essential to prevent further decay and ensure effective treatment.