Are you unsure if you have a woodworm problem? That is understandable given how difficult it can be to see the woodworm beetles, let alone the woodworm larvae that bore through the timber. However, after reading this guide, you will be better placed identifying the typical tell-tale signs of a possible woodworm infestation.

Timber Exit Hole

One of the most common signs of a woodworm issue is exit holes. These are holes formed by the woodworm as they leave the wood. The size of the holes differ based on the species of woodworm. But they are typically between 2mm and 5mm in diameter.

If the woodworm problem is active, the holes will appear ‘clean’ or ‘fresh’. If there is a large infestation numerous exit holes are often only visible up close. When woodworm larvae pupate and hatch into adult beetles, they bore their way to the surface of the wood to mate with the other adult beetles and recreate – restarting the entire woodworm lifecycle from the beginning. So these are good signs to be checking when identifying woodworm issues.

Bore Dust Is Present

The presence of frass left by a beetle as they chew its way through the wood is another sign that you will have a live woodworm infestation on your property. Frass is a type of dust produced by woodworm. The frass, also known as woodworm dust, is light in colour and resembles very fine wood shavings.

This frass is mainly woodworm waste, and this waste may help you identify the type of woodworm beetle present. For example, the frass created by the wood-boring weevil is ‘sticky’ to the touch due to moisture.

Destroyed Wood

Damaged wood is an obvious sign that woodworm is wreaking havoc on your property. Damage could include everything from weakened floorboards to crumbling skirting boards. However, it is critical to distinguish between woodworm damage and damage caused by dry and wet rot. If you are unsure which of these property care issues is causing the damage, you should contact an expert to inspect the timber and help with identifying woodworm. Then find out the cost of woodworm treatment if necessary.

Dead Beetles

If you notice dead beetles near holes in your timber, your suspicions of a woodworm infestation are most likely correct. However, this could be a sign of a prior woodworm infestation which may be no longer active.

During an active infestation, you may see live beetles coming out of the timber searching for a mate, but you are more likely to see dead beetles near infested timber. Steely Blue beetles, a predator of the Common Furniture beetle, are another significant indication of a woodworm infestation.

Boards And Joists with Crumbly Edges

If the woodworm infestation spreads, you may notice crumbly edges on floorboards and joists. This is simply due to the timber’s edges crumbling because of wear and tear around the numerous woodworm boreholes close to the timber’s edge. However, it is important not to confuse woodworm damage with dry rot or wet rot damage, as these require entirely different treatments.

What To Do If You Have Signs of Woodworm

If woodworm is discovered, it is best to find a qualified pest control expert to diagnose the damaged area. There are also DIY methods available at any supermarket or DIY store. However, correct application and knowledge of the pests will yield the best results in eliminating the problem, so we recommend consulting a professional. A specialist will be able to determine whether the infestation is active, which can be difficult for the untrained eye to determine due to the specific lifecycle of woodworm.