Do You Have Unwelcome Guests?

An active insect infestation may also be a sign you have a damp problem in your property - as many species only thrive in damp conditions. So dealing with unwelcome pests in your home or business premises is essential.

In preventing future problems caused by wood boring beetles and larvae, it’s important to keep an eye out for the obvious (and sometimes not so apparent) signs of insect damage.

The Usual Suspects

The most common species causing insect infestation in properties are:

Common Furniture Beetles

These beetles are the most common source of insect infestation in seasoned timber. When the grub emerges from the wood as an adult beetle it leaves behind a characteristic flight hole.

House Longhorn Beetles

This creature isn’t native to the United Kingdom, but it’s here now and spreading quickly. Originally from the Continent, house longhorn beetles have been particularly prevalent in Southern England, centring on Camberley and Walton-on-Thames -although it has recently been found in Richmond in Surrey, and Reading in Berkshire.

This species of insect infestation is particularly damaging, as the grub is large - growing to almost an inch in length - and has a lifecycle of up to eight years, enabling it to cause structural weakness relatively quickly.

Death Watch Beetles

Death Watch beetles tend to attack hardwood, and have a preference for old oak beams. They were given the eerie name as they are often found in churches, and have a characteristic ‘tapping’ mating call.

Wood Boring Weevil

The presence of these insects indicates an underlying damp problem. For this species to thrive the wood must be pre-digested by rotting fungi, which in turn requires some moisture to be present in the wood.

Regardless of the species, the pattern of damage caused by insect infestation remains the same. An adult beetle lays eggs on, or slightly beneath, the surface of the wood. The egg hatches, and the larvae feast in the wood, chewing holes into it. The grub continues to burrow its way through the timber until it pupates, and eventually becomes an adult beetle, ready to lay eggs.

Act Now To Prevent Further Timber Damage

If you suspect you have an active insect infestation in your property, it’s important a qualified surveyor investigates and treats the problem before any (further) structural damage is caused. Any powder around the wood holes indicates an active insect infestation - as this powder is actually grub faeces.

Treatment usually takes the form of powerful insecticides, although in some cases it may be enough to eliminate damp and dry out the affected wood. The most effective insecticides are only available for use by certified professionals – such as members of our team.

Attempts to resolve the problem yourself are unlikely to succeed, so call London & Home Counties for an expert survey on 0208 365 3724, or click here to contact us today.