What is Woodworm?
The term woodworm is used to describe the adult insect, as well as the larva inside the affected timber. The common furniture beetle is a type of woodworm that infests timber furniture and structural timber in buildings. In the wood, the larvae bore “holes”, eating their way through the timber then emerging as adult beetles. The damage done by the beetle larvae means that the tensile strength of the timber is reduced. Due to an infestation of woodworm in the main supporting beam, the entire roof of the cottage is at risk of collapse. Woodworm can attack your furniture and timber structures all year round, as well as the larvae burrowing into and impacting your home.
Types of Woodworms
The Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) and the House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus) are the most common types of woodworm that attack timber. It can be hard to spot the damage at first but it tends to eat away at the timbers from inside.
This family of insects is known as the Anobiidae and contains all species that infest dead or dying wood.
These wood-boring beetles cause damage by laying eggs in soft, damp timber where grubs then hatch and feed on the wood until they pupate and mature as adult beetles.
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What are the signs of woodworm
The first thing to look for is borings, holes, or tunnels in the timber and visible sawdust where an insect has bored its way through. There are a few species of beetles that do indeed go undetected for long periods of time when they invade your home. The first signs of woodworm activity are small holes in the wood of a piece of furniture. They appear as small dimpled holes, roughly 1 to 2mm wide, and maybe either filled with sawdust or empty. Woodworm is a very destructive pest that can cause serious repercussions if left untreated. To prevent any damage, you should know the signs of woodworm and take action immediately. Make sure to inspect your property for signs of woodworm so you can treat it quickly.
Damp Proofing Can Help Prevent
- Rising / Penetrating Damp
- Ingress of Water
- Salt Crystallization
- Plaster Breakdown
- Damp Staining
- Wet Rot / Dry Rot
Why Is Woodworm Infestation A Concern in Kent
Wood-boring insects are a serious threat to timber buildings in all parts of the Kent. Woodworms can eat holes in your garden furniture, wooden patio, wood decking, and many other wooden structures. Occasionally, woodworms attack furniture that is made from untreated damp softwood. This is usually within the first 10mm of any external wooden structure.
Woodworms can be devastating to a property and its value. An infestation can spread and render a structure unsaleable and threaten the structural integrity of the building if not treated. Pets can inadvertently carry the larvae of woodworm from one part of your property to another. You might find woodworm burrowing through the internal wall of your house and spread through other properties in your home.
How do I know when I need to use a woodworm treatment
You’ve probably noticed small holes in your wooden furniture and flooring, which could be a sign of damage caused by woodworm infestation. As there are legal and health & safety issues related to treating woodworm, it’s crucial that you chose leading experts in the field. A woodworm infestation isn’t something to be taken lightly. These pesky critters can wreak havoc and leave a home unsightly.
Should you Deal With Woodworm Yourself or call in professionals
If you suspect a woodworm infestation, it’s always worth asking a trusted professional. All woodworm signs might look the same to the untrained eye, different types of beetles like to consume different types of wood. There is a type of woodworm for every different type of wood. Some only feed on hardwoods while some deal with loft timbers. Mild cases of woodworm can be treated by the homeowner through a DIY treatment. Having dealt with woodworm infestation for the past 10 years, we are aware of how disruptive it can be. The professionals at Southern Damp Proofing are focused on keeping your home safe and sound.
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Woodworm Specialist Treatment in Kent
For many years now, we have been successfully tackling the woodworm infestation problem in – and around – the Kent. Our company is operated by professional contractors which can use a variety of methods to tackle the problem on each individual customer’s property. Our team can both repair the structurally affected timbers as well as clean and treat the surface of the wood. At Southern Damp Proofing, we want to ensure that our customers are pleased with our services. That’s why we offer a free survey and a 10-year guarantee. With all our solutions, we provide free consultations and quotes.
We look out for your safety whenever we are helping you eradicate woodworm by wearing face masks and protection.
For health and safety, care should be taken to ensure that the treatment is well ventilated during and after application. After allowing 6 to 8 hours for drying time, the area can be reopened and re-occupied. The treated wood is then left for 48 hours before we apply any top-coat such as paint, oil or varnish.
Why choose Southern Damp Proofing for your woodworm treatment and Timber Repair in Kent
At Southern Damp Proofing we pride ourselves on our well-trained and experienced team of professionals, which is why customers come back and refer us to others. We have experienced and specialized teams to carry out the most complete woodworm treatments. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable. since 20, Southern Damp Proofing has been in the industry. We guarantee our work with a 10 years guarantee. Committed and customer-oriented You can reserve our services up to 6 months ahead. Our hours are five days a week between 9 and 5.
Our Approach to Woodworm Treatment in Kent
Our Woodworm Treatment Services in Kent
- Property assessment
- Getting to the type of the woodworm
- Developing a comprehensive treatment plan
- Chemical treatment application.
- In the case of infection or compromise in the timber, we will replace it with new material.
Our woodworm Treatment Procedure in Kent
Protecting your home from woodworm is extremely important to us Southern Damp Proofing. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to woodworm treatments. We provide a tailor-made solution to meet your property needs. We only use top of the line products and equipment to ensure that the infestation is fully eliminated.
Some of the areas that we will treat include sills, joists, beams, flooring, and wall studs. Once you have treated the wood, it will be safe from woodworm and its damage. If you have already seen evidence of woodworms, such as holes in the wood or frass, we recommend that you call us immediately on 020 7971 1329 to discuss your situation with your surveyor.
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Identifying and Removing Woodworms in Kent
While it’s usually very careful about the timbers it infects, woodworm never attack anything that is already protected by a reliable woodworm treatment. Woodworm can spread fast through softwood used in the construction of window and door joinery or interior furnishings. There are many popular products from different brands that have been on the market for a long time. Some are suitable for both interior, and exterior use whilst others are formulated for just interior. Wooden surfaces treated with a woodworm killer are safe for pets and children once the treatment has fully dried. The solvent-based treatment has a very strong smell which needs to be aired after treatment.
Solvent-based products usually have a high VOC so therefore have a much stronger smell than the water-based equivalents. It would be best to leave the house while the treatment is carried out. We work with our clients to find a date and time that is perfect for them. Our professionals are trained woodworm killers, they will not only identify affected/damaged wood, but we will also survey the entire property for any active woodworm beetles and recommend an appropriate solution.
How much does a woodworm treatment in Kent cost
The cost of treating woodworms will vary depending on a number of factors. These include the type of woodworm, the extent of the infestation, and whether you are in a domestic or commercial building. A localised infestation caught early would only need a simple treatment to get rid of the problem. If your property has found itself at the mercy of woodworms then it will require treatment to remove them and prevent further damage. This may well mean that certain structural elements will be replaced, costing you more money. Call us on 020 7971 1329 today for free woodworm treatment advice and information on costs!
Book your Woodworm Survey in Kent
Wet Rot, Dry Rot, and woodworm beetles are all forms of wood damage that can be treated by Southern Damp Proofing in Kent at an affordable price. With over 10 years of market experience repairing and restoring homes, churches, commercial properties, and historic buildings there is no job too small or big to handle. If your joists’, decking, furniture, or floorboards are riddled with woodworm, you need to call us today on 020 7971 1329.
FAQs
Is woodworm infestation a serious problem?
How can Identify a house that has a woodworm?
You can check for woodworm yourself, but it may be hard to diagnose if you do not have adequate experience of what to look for. Woodworms could be present in a home for many years without it being noticeable, and woodworm doesn’t just affect old homes, it can also affect very new homes. If you aren’t entirely confident if the home you want to purchase has a woodworm or not, feel free to call us on 020 7971 1329X.
Woodworm is caused by what?
Is woodworm active in winter?
Does the woodworm go away
Dry or wet wood; which is the woodworm’s favourite?
How can I eliminate woodworm from my property?
My home is under the attack of a woodworm, how do I treat it?
Is Boron woodworm treatment safe?
Are toxic substances included in the solution you use for woodworm treatment?
Can I rely on your woodworm treatment to last long?
Can house insurance help me recover from woodworms’ damages?
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Other Areas We Cover
- Woodworm Treatment in Tadley, Hampshire
- Woodworm Treatment in Totton, Hampshire
- Woodworm Treatment in Wickham, Hampshire
- Woodworm Treatment in Winchester, Hampshire
- Woodworm Treatment in Yateley, Hampshire
- Woodworm Treatment in Ashford, Kent
- Woodworm Treatment in Broadstairs, Kent
- Woodworm Treatment in Canterbury, Kent
- Woodworm Treatment in Chatham, Kent
- Woodworm Treatment in Deal, Kent