This image shows the signs of long-term active woodworm infestation by the Common furniture beetle, this property was in Trowbridge Wiltshire.
As the name suggests, is the most common insect that attacks softwood and European hardwood. Larvae hatch out from the eggs and burrow into the timber feeding on the sapwood, progressively weakening it, for up to four years; when fully grown the larvae are approximately 3mm long. Adult beetles emerge from the timber at the completion of the pupa stage through 1-2mm diameter flight holes. Treatment of the common furniture beetle is by means of a water-based micro emulsion insecticide containing permethrin which is applied under a course spray treatment to all accessible timber surfaces. The common furniture beetle (Anobium Punctatum) is normally found in loft areas , under stairs, suspended ground floors and other areas affected by high humidity.
This image shows the signs of long term active Deathwatch beetle infestation. Joist ends were destroyed and the also the wall plate in this Somerset property.
This image of a large bearing end timber in a Wiltshire property was destroyed by a Deathwatch beetle infestation, and needed a timber resin repair.
This image shows the Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium Rufovillosum) from a property in Wiltshire.
Deathwatch beetle is normally found attacking hardwood timbers especially when timbers are partially decayed by fungal decay. We normally find this infestation on the bearing end timbers built into walls and lintels. Sometimes the damage is so extreme the bearing end timbers will require a timber resin repair or a whole new timber.
The adult Death Watch Beetle is 6-9mm long and chocolate brown, the life cycle can be around 10 years depending on conditions.
The most important part of treatment for Death Watch beetle is the bearing end of timbers, because this area is more likely to suffer from dampness. Always make sure the surveyor measures the moisture content of the timber as close to the bearing end as possible and inspect the area externally for defective pointing or leaks. If high readings are noted we would recommend further investigation is necessary.
Treatment of Death Watch Beetle is normally always over specified with poor diagnosis. I’ve literally surveyed hundreds of buildings over the years where treatments have been recommended and there is no visual sign of activity. Most of our enquiries come from when a recent pre purchase building survey has been carried out and further advice from a timber specialist is recommended mostly for mortgage purposes. We also have a few enquiries where people are in bed at night and they can hear the noise of the Death Watch beetle tapping.
