St Albans, Hitchin, Hertford and Berkhamsted all have historic centres with timber-framed buildings, exposed beams and old floorboards. Many of those timbers show woodworm holes, but not all of them need treatment.
Historic or active?
Woodworm larvae can live in timber for several years before emerging as beetles. Holes made decades ago remain long after the infestation has died out, often because the timber has dried. Signs of current activity include:
- Fresh, clean holes with pale wood inside
- Fine bore dust appearing below holes after cleaning
- Beetles emerging in late spring and summer
Species matter
The common furniture beetle is the most widespread. In large old hardwood timbers, deathwatch beetle can occur, usually where timber has been damp and affected by fungal decay. Identifying the species helps decide the right approach.
Moisture is the key
Woodworm thrives in damp timber. Leaking roofs, damp walls and poor ventilation all increase the risk. Fixing the damp is often as important as any treatment.
Sympathetic treatment
In historic buildings, treatment should be targeted at active areas, using appropriate products, and structural repairs should keep as much original timber as possible. Listed buildings may need consent for some work.
See timber and woodworm treatment in Hertfordshire and damp and timber surveys in Hertfordshire.
