Woodworm treatment in Zoetermeer: the signs
Woodworm is the larva of a beetle that spends years inside the wood, eating its way through it. Only as an adult beetle does it bore its way out. What you see, then, are mainly the traces of that exit:
- round exit holes of one to two millimetres
- fine, pale bore dust falling from the holes or collecting below the wood
- small brown beetles on the windowsill in spring or summer
- wood that feels crumbly or soft at the edges
Larger, oval holes in softwood such as roof boarding or rafters point to the house longhorn beetle. That needs extra attention, as it can weaken structural timber.
Active or old: why the difference matters
Not every hole means a problem. Many antiques and old beams were attacked at some point, while the beetles are long gone. An active infestation shows sharp, pale edges to the holes and fresh dust that keeps reappearing after you have wiped it away. Old holes have darkened, just like the surrounding wood.
Woodworm loves damp timber. A poorly ventilated crawl space, a leaking gutter or a shed that is always clammy makes wood vulnerable. That is why our inspection looks not only at the holes but also at the cause.
Our woodworm treatment, tailored to the timber
After the inspection you know which insect it is, how far the damage extends and whether the timber is still strong enough. If there is any doubt about a beam's load-bearing capacity, we advise having a builder or structural engineer take a look. We then treat in a targeted way, handling a loose piece of furniture differently from floor joists or a roof structure.
- furniture and frames: a targeted treatment of the affected piece
- beams and floors: treating the timber with a professional product that penetrates the wood
- the cause: advice on ventilation and damp, so a new attack has less chance
Products like these may only be applied by certified professionals.
What you can do yourself – and what to leave alone
Sweep away the dust below a suspect piece and lay a sheet of dark paper underneath. If fresh dust appears after a few weeks, the infestation is active. A photo of the holes next to a ruler also helps us. Keep an infested piece of furniture apart so the beetles cannot fly to other wood.
Do not tackle beams or a floor yourself with DIY-store products: they often fail to reach the larvae deep inside the timber, and a load-bearing structure needs a professional assessment. While you are checking the crawl space, look out for droppings too; if you find any, read about mouse control.
Preventing woodworm in the house and shed
Timber that stays dry is far less likely to be attacked. Make sure the crawl space airbricks are clear, have leaks repaired promptly and let a garden shed air properly. When you buy an antique or second-hand piece of furniture, check it with a torch for fresh holes and dust before it goes next to your other furniture. Store firewood outdoors, ideally not against wooden walls or in the utility room.
For other pests that seek out timber or the crawl space, our pest control in Zoetermeer can help as well.
