More deathwatch woes!

[Ebenezer]

Hello everyone. Great forum.

We moved into our first period home in February. It's a grade II early 17th/late 16th century timber framed cottage. Now that spring is here we have found 4 DW beetles as of this morning. We have two surveys done when we bought (a full structural and a damp and timber) both found now active infestations. After finding the first couple of beetles and identifying them we had a rentokil survey carried out too last week. He also found no active infestation but confirmed the identity of one of captured subjects!

The house was developed by the previous owner after it fell into complete disrepair with the owner before that. He owned the property for two years and gradually restored the property with all the correct consents. He said the house was very damp when he bought it before the work was carried out. Apart from some condensation there is no damp now that I'm aware of. (Ordered a dehumidifier to help)

Could our beetles be survivors from the previous damp period? We have heard no tapping and I can't find any evidence of them. Can't even find big enough holes they are seem to be the smaller woodworm holes.

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Just bumping this up as new posters' posts tend to drift down to the bottom of the pile.

 

[Flyfisher]

Welcome to the forum. From what you've described, especially about Rentokil, which would surely have a vested interest in finding something to work on, it sounds to me as if the previous owners have done a good job in getting the cottage back into good condition for the future. Lucky you!

However, I'm no expert on DWB so don't listen to me but do hang around because there's an expert lurking somewhere in the wings and I'm sure he'll be along soon.

 

[Zebra]

Was your captured subject alive or dead?

 

[Matt Green]

From what you've described, especially about Rentokil, which would surely have a vested interest in finding something to work on,

Change is slow. I've only had 5 years to work on them.

I would agree with FF, Deathwatch has a long lifecycle (up to 10 years) and oak dries out slowly. A few late-emerging adults insects doesn't warrant invasive works to find any more stragglers.

 

[Ebenezer]

Was your captured subject alive or dead?

It was alive. No longer though!

 

[Ebenezer]

From what you've described, especially about Rentokil, which would surely have a vested interest in finding something to work on,

Change is slow. I've only had 5 years to work on them.

I would agree with FF, Deathwatch has a long lifecycle (up to 10 years) and oak dries out slowly. A few late-emerging adults insects doesn't warrant invasive works to find any more stragglers.

Thanks I certainly have no intention of invasive treatments. Especially after reading here and elsewhere since I submitted my post a few days ago.

We are not actually too concerned about it now. Unless we start to hear them or start finding increasing numbers we will assume its under control.

With regards to rentokil they actually didn't recommend any work was carried out as the surveyor couldn't find any evidence of active infestation. He did sell us some insurance though for £100 per year meaning they will survey and treat for free if infestation is found.

 

[masochists-r-us]

http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12998#p176386

I posted on this subject some time ago and got some helpful responses. If you copy and paste the link above into your browser, you can have a look.
Best wishes

 

[Penners]

The following link will take you to a useful article on DWB, which will confirm many of the points mentioned above:-

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/beetle/beetle.html

 

[Duchess]

Hi, I have been finding the pesky buggers like billy-o... But in a weird way enjoying it now! I moved in about seven months ago, grade two listed early 16th century wood framed cottage, and then in may, they started banging there little heads, it is obvious we have an infestation cos we have prob found about fifty of the buggers since then even tho all reports and surveys ( of which we spent thousands on ) said nothing to worry about! I have taken it from replies on here that they are coming out of there little hidey holes because the wood is drying out and there is not a lot we could do about it anyway as treatment for them will harm the beams more than the beetles would, so we are in for the long haul, hankered down in the bunker and on beetle watch morning noon and night!

 

[Ebenezer]

Looks like we are getting off lightly! Only found 3 beetles and never heard any tapping. I'm not worried about it at all anymore.

 

[Penners]

Looks like we are getting off lightly! Only found 3 beetles and never heard any tapping. I'm not worried about it at all anymore.

And I'm sure you meant to add, "many thanks to everyone who has responded".

 

[Ebenezer]

Looks like we are getting off lightly! Only found 3 beetles and never heard any tapping. I'm not worried about it at all anymore.

And I'm sure you meant to add, "many thanks to everyone who has responded".

Yes I should have added I'm very grateful for everyone's help!