WOODWORM TREATMENT

Specialist investigation and treatment for wood-boring insect activity in roof timbers, floor joists and other structural timber.

Woodworm is the common term used for damage caused by the larvae of wood-boring insects.

Adult beetles lay eggs on or in timber. The larvae then feed within the wood, sometimes for several years, before emerging through small flight holes.

Not all visible holes mean there is an active infestation, so correct identification is important before treatment is recommended.

Typical signs can include:

• Small round or oval flight holes
• Fine bore dust or frass
• Weak or damaged timber
• Crumbling edges to joists or floorboards
• Adult beetles appearing in spring or summer
• Increased activity around roof spaces or suspended floors
• Historic holes with no current activity

One of the most important parts of a woodworm survey is determining whether the infestation is active or historic.

Old flight holes can remain visible for decades after an infestation has ended.

PPS assesses the condition of the timber, the presence of fresh bore dust, flight holes and other evidence before recommending treatment.

This helps avoid unnecessary chemical treatment.

Woodworm can affect:

• Roof timbers
• Floor joists
• Suspended timber floors
• Floorboards
• Structural beams
• Skirting and joinery
• Cellars and basements
• Timbers exposed to prolonged moisture

Damp or poorly ventilated timber can create favourable conditions for certain species of wood-boring insects.

Depending on the property, the inspection may include:

• Visual inspection of accessible timbers
• Examination of flight holes
• Identification of bore dust
• Assessment of timber strength
• Moisture readings
• Investigation of ventilation
• Identification of likely insect species
• Assessment of whether activity appears current

Where active infestation is confirmed, treatment will depend on the location, species and condition of the timber.

Remedial work may include:

• Surface-applied timber treatment
• Localised treatment of affected areas
• Removal and replacement of severely damaged timber
• Improvements to ventilation
• Repairs to underlying damp or moisture problems

Treatment should always be based on evidence of active infestation rather than simply on the presence of old holes.

Where active infestation is confirmed, treatment will depend on the location, species Some wood-boring insects are more likely to affect timber where moisture levels are elevated.

For that reason, PPS also considers the condition of the surrounding building, ventilation and any damp problems that may be contributing to the issue.

Our PPS provides woodworm surveys and treatment regular service area extends approximately between:

• Newcastle to the north
• Barnard Castle to the west
• Northallerton to the south
• Saltburn and the North Yorkshire coast to the east

Within this area, PPS regularly works in towns and communities , ncluding:

• Stockton-on-Tees
• Middlesbrough
• Hartlepool
• Billingham
• Yarm
• Eaglescliffe
• Thornaby
• Ingleby Barwick
• Wynyard
• Sedgefield
• Darlington
• Stokesley
• Guisborough
• Redcar
• Saltburn
• Northallerton
• Barnard Castle
• Newcastle

If you have found flight holes, bore dust or weakened timber, contact PPS to arrange an appropriate inspection.