Woodworm ?

[DERYN]

Hi everybody, whilst removing carpets e.t.c. around our house which I have been modernizing I have found evidence of woodworm. There are a couple of wooden chairs that have been in this house for many years and they too have signs of woodworm. A while back I came across lots of paperwork connected with the house and I found a guarantee that says the house was treated for woodworm a number of years ago. The guarantee is still valid and I have no reason to believe woodworm are still active in this house. But, how could I be sure ? Are there any tell tale signs ? would only an expert be able to tell ?

Deryn

 

[Nigel Watts]

Fresh looking fine wood dust is a good sign that the little buggers are still active.

 

[Matt Green]

Fresh looking (light coloured) slightly gritty dust that is lemon shaped under a magnifier is right. So: not talcy (powder post beetle) or coarsely gritty (wood-boring weevil) or visibly bun-shaped (Deathwatch).

Now is not the time to look though. The adults emerge between April and August, so now is the time to brush, sweep clean and dry the areas so that you notice fresh dust and to fill any visible holes with beeswax (or other appropriate filler) so any new ones stand out. Have a look again at the end of the summer.

Matt

 

[JoceAndChris]

Fresh looking (light coloured) slightly gritty dust that is lemon shaped under a magnifier is right. So: not talcy (powder post beetle) or coarsely gritty (wood-boring weevil) or visibly bun-shaped (Deathwatch).

It's this wealth of detail that makes this forum such a fascinating place.

 

[DERYN]

Hi and thanks, as ever useful info.

Looks like next month I will be found crawling around the house looking through a magnifying glass !

Deryn

 

[Penners]

Now is not the time to look though. The adults emerge between April and August, so now is the time to brush, sweep clean and dry the areas so that you notice fresh dust and to fill any visible holes with beeswax (or other appropriate filler) so any new ones stand out. Have a look again at the end of the summer.

Alternatively, you can paste tissue paper over the affected area. If the paper gets punctured during the flying season, you know that you have an active infestation.