Exit Holes
Small, round holes in wooden surfaces. Fresh holes will have clean, sharp edges and may have fine dust around them. The size and shape of exit holes can vary depending on the beetle species.
Woodworm and Dry Rot Solutions: Protecting Your Property
Woodworm and dry rot are two of the most common and destructive threats to wooden elements in buildings.
Woodworm and Dry Rot Solutions: Identification, Prevention and Treatment
Protect your property with our woodworm and dry rot treatments. We identify, treat, and prevent timber decay, ensuring your wooden structures remain strong and secure for years to come.
Left unchecked, woodworm and dry rot can cause extensive damage, compromising the integrity of your property and leading to costly repairs.
Have you noticed any of these symptoms?
Frass (dust)
Fine, powdery dust near exit holes or beneath infested wood. Often mistaken for sawdust, frass is actually a mixture of wood particles and beetle excrement!
Adult Beetles
Presence of small beetles, especially during spring and summer months when they emerge. Common furniture beetles are typically 3-5mm long and brown in colour. Other species may vary in size and appearance.
Dry, Crumbly Timber
Wood that has been affected by dry rot becomes dry and crumbly. It may appear darker than surrounding wood and break easily when touched.
Mycelium (White, Cottony Growth)
White or grey, cotton-like growths on wood surfaces often found in dark, poorly ventilated areas. The mycelium can spread across non-wood surfaces, including plaster and masonry.
Fruiting Bodies (Mushroom-like Growths)
Large, fleshy structures that resemble mushrooms, usually rusty-red in colour. Can grow up to 300mm in diameter and produce millions of spores.
Preventative Measures: Safeguarding Your Property
Taking proactive steps to prevent woodworm and dry rot infestations can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Here are some effective preventative measures:
Maintaining Proper Ventilation
Ensure good air circulation throughout your property, especially in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Install vents or fans in areas prone to moisture buildup. Keep furniture slightly away from walls to allow air to circulate.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to maintain relative humidity below 60%. Fix any leaks promptly, including roof leaks and plumbing issues.
Managing Vegetation Around the Property
Keep plants and shrubs trimmed away from exterior walls to prevent moisture retention. Ensure proper drainage in garden areas adjacent to the building.
Regular Gutter Maintenance
Clean gutters and downpipes regularly to prevent water overflow and seepage into walls. Ensure proper alignment and repair any damaged sections promptly.
When to Seek Professional Help
When woodworm or dry rot infestations are identified, professional treatment is often necessary to effectively eradicate the problem and prevent further damage. Here are the primary treatment options offered by reputable preservation companies.
Insecticide Treatments for Woodworm
Application of professional-grade insecticides to affected and surrounding areas – effective for treating visible infestations and preventing future attacks.
Fungicide Treatments for Dry Rot
Infected timber is removed, often extending to 1 meter beyond visible signs of rot. This step is crucial to prevent the spread of the fungus to healthy wood. Surrounding areas are treated with fungicides to prevent further spread.
Timber Replacement
Severely damaged wood is replaced with new, pre-treated timber.
In structural applications, this process may involve temporary support structures. Replacement timber is often treated with preservatives to prevent future infestations.Environmental Control
Installation of ventilation systems or dehumidifiers to create an environment unsuitable for woodworm and dry rot. Implementation of damp-proofing measures to prevent future moisture ingress. May include the installation of vapour barriers or improved insulation to manage humidity levels.