Insect attack

Two of the most common species of wood boring insects affecting timbers in properties in the United Kingdom are Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum), usually referred to as Woodworm and Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum).

There are other species of beetle which are less common, and these are Bark Borer, Pin Hole Borer, House Longhorn, and Powder Post, and timbers in properties can also be affected by wood boring weevils.

Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum)
Structurally, this is not usually a serious problem if treated at an early stage. However, insect infestation may have gone unnoticed for several years. Insect activity can be determined by the appearance of small round holes in flooring and roof timbers, and sometimes evidence of powdery dust (frass). There also may be signs of adult beetles around the property. Adult beetles emerge from timbers in the spring and summer; the female having laid eggs inside the timber she has vacated. The eggs hatch and the young grubs start burrowing and eating into the timber. After approximately 3 to 4 years, the beetle pupates and emerges from the timber and dies, the female having laid eggs and the cycle begins again.

Treatment
A detailed report and estimate will be provided for the treatment of insect infestation, which is normally in the form of pressure spraying the affected timbers to refusal using suitable insecticides. All of our wood preservatives are approved by The Health and Safety Executive.

Guarantee
On completion of the contract and upon receipt of payment, a 20 year guarantee will normally be issued.

Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)
The Death Watch Beetle, it’s name perhaps instilling fear in some people’s minds, is a wood boring beetle and is usually confined to the hardwoods of timber framed buildings. Timbers are normally affected by decay before Death Watch attack is evident. As Death Watch Beetle is capable of reproducing within the timbers, eradication can be more difficult and long term structural damage can occur with this particular insect.

Treatment
When infestation by Death Watch Beetle is identified by our experienced surveyor, chemical treatment as well as repairs may be necessary, and a detailed specification and estimate will be provided.