There is only one way in which you can stop woodworms from causing irreparable damage to your property – identifying and treating them at an early stage. In most cases, individuals do not realize they have a woodworm problem until there is visible damage. Woodworm can create some very serious problems like weakening the timber and thereby compromising the strength of your entire structure.
Where and how can you find woodworms?
Woodworms infest the wooden surfaces, including –
- Structural timbers
- Beams
- Roofing timbers
- Wooden flooring
- Wooden furniture
- Wooden storage boxes
There are many ways in which you can identify woodworm infestation on your property. Also, there are professional companies like pest control Manchester which can inspect for you. They have a team of surveyors working with them, who are not just B.P.C.A. trained, but true experts in every manner. Besides, they offer fast same-day services throughout Manchester. So, you can expect them to be at your property in no time.
However, before involving any professional, if you want to carry out an inspection yourself, here we have listed a few key signs. If you notice any of these signs on your property, it is best to assume that you are under woodworm attack. These signs are:
1. Wood Tunneling
Tunnels in wood are initiated by wood-boring insects. Since these tunnels are inside the wood, they can only be identified when the wood is cut open, and the timber below the upper surface is exposed.
2. Exit Holes
These are usually around 2mm in diameter, but they can be as large as 6mm in diameter. They can be detected around the year, but holes tend to form between April to August.
3. Dead or alive Beetles
Beetles are a clear sign that your property has woodworm infestation. Even when you notice dead beetles on your property, it indicates that at some point your property has been attacked by woodworms. To make sure whether the woodworms are active or not, it is best to get your property inspected.
4. 1
You will be able to notice some dust around the exit holes. This dust is the result of beetles coming out of the wood.
5. Eggs
It is quite difficult to notice the eggs. Woodworms usually lay their eggs within the old holes or cracks in the wood.
6. Crumbling sound from flooring or elsewhere
This means that there is a major woodworm infestation on your property. The crumbling sound that you hear could be because of numerous exit holes.
What to do next?
If you notice the woodworm signs mentioned here on your property, then you should act promptly. Contact a well-equipped, and experienced company to deal with the situation. Professional surveyors will:
- Verify if the infestation is active or not, and identify the woodworm species.
- Check other areas for infestation.
- Run a few tests to decide whether to remove, treat or repair the timber.
- Provide you a survey report of the present infestation condition, treatment options, and quotation.
So, there you go. Don’t waste any unnecessary time once you notice the woodworm infestation. The faster you get it treated the better it is for your property.