How to Get Rid of Woodworm

woodworm in the wood

So, you have noticed signs of a woodworm infestation in your furniture, or even worse, in your house substructures, and started actively searching for a solution. And this is the right decision! You see, most of the time, people notice the infestation in its late stages, meaning that the initial damage to the wood has already been caused.

In order to prevent the further spread of these pests, you have to take immediate action. And this is what today’s post is dedicated to – to help you understand what causes the infestation to appear and how to get rid of the woodworms once and for all. 

What Are Woodworms?

First things first – we need to know what a woodworm is. As you might know, a woodworm is the larval stage of any wood-boring beetle. Before emerging in the summer season, beetles spend several years in a larval form. During that period of their life, they feed on wood, subsequently damaging your property. When the woodworm is ready to pupate, it creates a chamber around itself and transforms into a beetle. Only when the beetle is fully developed, we start seeing the infestation signs as they leave their habitat. But why have they chosen your house in the first place?

Why is My Furniture Infested with Woodworms?

The answer is quite simple – warmth and moisture. These pests love damp environments, as they provide the best conditions for further development. Rotten timber becomes a perfect snack to munch on during their growth. And if the wooden structures have mould or mildew on them, then it’s easier for the larvae to burrow deeper. So, if your dwelling has poor ventilation or lousy insulation, you need to implement preventative measures against woodworms.

However, beetles don’t choose decaying wood only. Untreated furniture without varnish can become a target of woodworm abuse as well. These pests prefer to lay their eggs on surfaces that have cracks and holes. If, over time, your furniture starts losing its shine, make sure to paint, wax, or varnish it to prevent a possible infestation. 

How Long Does a Woodworm Infestation Last?

Woodworm infestations can quietly stick around for years if they’re not spotted and treated. The real troublemakers are the larvae – they burrow deep into the wood and stay there for 2 to 5 years, munching away without you even knowing. Most people don’t realise there’s a problem until the adult beetles finally emerge and leave those tiny little holes in the surface.

So by the time you notice something’s up, the damage might already be well underway. It’s not a fast-moving disaster, but if left alone, it’ll just keep going. Catching it early and treating it properly is the best way to stop it in its tracks.

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How to Get Rid of Woodworm Infestation?

Identify an Active Infestation 

There are three main signs of a woodworm infestation – small holes in the furniture or any other wooden fixtures, piles of dust under infested timber, and beetles, either dead or alive. Some species create taping sounds during their mating period. If you are not sure whether the infestation is active, you can try attaching a piece of paper to the previously affected area. When the beetles emerge, they will eat up the paper, leaving small 1-2 mm holes in it. 

    DIY Ways to Get Rid of Woodworm

    So, if you are entirely sure that you want to treat the woodworm yourself, we have prepared some frequently used treatment methods. Even though not all of them are naturally-based, they are proven to work.

    Chemical Solutions

    Insecticides have been proving their effectiveness for many years. The same applies to woodworm treatments, or woodworm killers, as some manufacturers call them. 
    The main ingredient, Permethrin, paralyses and exterminates the insects inside your furniture. Therefore, if you see that ingredient on the list, you can be sure that it will work.

    However, it has its side effects. Permethrin is quite toxic to children and pets. After the application, your furniture should stay untouched until it is fully dry. It’s only safe to use after drying completely.

    Some treatments require removing any polish, wax or paint from the furniture prior to the application. Make sure to check the instructions before implementing any DIY care.

    Treating Woodworm With Vinegar

    Treating woodworms with vinegar is effective if you don’t want to kill the larvae. The solution will only force them to leave the furniture. If you are searching for a non-toxic woodworm treatment, this is your choice. 

    Mix white vinegar with water in 1:1 proportion and spray it on the furniture. The acid will start irritating the larvae, and they will begin searching for a way out. 

    The most significant disadvantage of this solution is the damage that the acid might cause to the furniture. Moreover, vinegar has a strong odour, which can cause irritation. 

    Boron Solution

    Boron is widely used as a natural solution for woodworm treatment. It is relatively easy to apply and does not leave unpleasant smells. 

    Boron powder should be dissolved in water, to make a 5% solution. For example, for 1 litre of water, you will need 50 grams of powder. 

    Apply two coats of the solution with a sponge or a brush. The first layer should be left to dry thoroughly; only then can you apply the second one. 

    Get Rid of Woodworm With Help From the Professionals

    You can probably handle small infestations, like one piece of furniture, on your own with a commercial solution or DIY woodworm treatment. But professional care will be required if you suspect serious damage, like infested wooden floors or house structures. Fantastic Pest Control offers a variety of woodworm treatments tailored to each infestation’s severity and specifics:

    • Insecticide Application – These methods ensure comprehensive eradication of the wood-boring insects. Depending on the infestation’s severity the professionals can use surface sprays, applied to affected areas to eliminate larvae and prevent further infestation, or Insecticides that are injected directly into the wood targeting larvae deep within.
    • Heat Treatment– For severe infestations heat is applied to raise the temperature of the affected wood, effectively killing all life stages of the woodworm.​ This method is chemical-free and penetrates deep into the wood, ensuring thorough treatment.
    • Fumigation – In cases where infestations are extensive or hard to reach, gaseous insecticides are introduced into enclosed spaces, ensuring complete eradication of wood-boring beetles.​Fumigation is especially effective for treating large or inaccessible areas.

    Don’t hesitate to call pest control specialists. People tend to underestimate the damage that they might have. It is never harmful to ask for professional woodworm treatment.

    Preventing Woodworm

    To prevent your furniture from a woodworm infestation, you have to remember several things:

    • Control the humidity in your house. The wood should be dry. Any wood that has humidity levels above 20% is considered to be potentially suitable for woodworms.
    • Check for infestation signs when purchasing antique furniture. You never know where a particular piece of furniture has been kept before it got into your house. 
    • Get rid of the infected furniture pieces. Let’s face it; if you throw away one chair, it will cost you less than changing floorboards that got damaged because of a poorly treated infestation. 
    • Seal and varnish the wood. Applying a protective finish to wooden surfaces creates a barrier that deters beetles from laying eggs. Regularly reapply varnish to worn areas.
    • Choose quality materials. Opt for hardwood furniture, as it is generally more resistant to woodworm due to its density and lower nutrient content for larvae.
    • Regular Inspections. Periodically examine wooden structures and furniture for signs of woodworm activity, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn)

    Want to get rid of woodworms?

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    Takeaways

    • Woodworms are attracted to warmth and damp places;
    • They can destroy your furniture;
    • DIY treatments are not effective enough;
    • Chemical treatments can have some positive results but they are quite toxic to family and pets.
    • The most effective and long-lasting treatment is done by professionals as they have the best solutions, know-how and the necessary experience.

    Have noticed woodworms in your furniture?

    Disclaimer

    Consider that we give information on possible ways to get rid of woodworms. However, we cannot guarantee that all of the above approaches will work for you.

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