Early Warning Signs of Woodworm

In the UK, Woodworm are most active during the warmer months, typically from April to October. This is the time when adult beetles emerge to mate and lay eggs. You’re most likely to notice signs of an active infestation, like fresh flight holes and fine wood dust (frass), during this period. The larval stage, which causes the most internal damage, also thrives in warmer conditions.

Key indicators of active woodworm:

• Fresh Flight Holes: Look for clean, sharp-edged holes in the wood surface, left by adult beetles as they emerge.
• Wood Dust (Frass): Fresh, fine wood dust around the flight holes is a strong sign of an active infestation.
• Beetles: You might see adult beetles on surfaces like windowsills, as they emerge to mate and lay eggs.

Why they are seasonal

Woodworm are sensitive to temperature, and the larvae feed and mature inside the wood during colder winter months. As temperatures rise in spring, adult beetles emerge from the wood, starting the cycle anew. Activity decreases as temperatures cool in autumn, with beetles becoming less active and the signs of an infestation potentially dropping off. But it’s at this point that the cycle of laying eggs which turn into larvae repeats once more.

Woodworm can be a cause for concern especially if your house or property has a heavy structure. These small larvae burrow deep into the wood found in timber supports, joists, furniture and floorboards where they hibernate for a long period of time before hatching into adult beetles which will then re-emerge from the wood.

They also love high humidity areas. Woodworm thrives in damp conditions so check bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, basements and attics.

This is why we’re highlighting the how to spot the telltale signs of an infestation:

Key Signs to Look For:

1. Tiny Flight Holes: Round or oval holes, typically 1–5mm wide, in wood surfaces, often grouped together, indicating larvae have emerged.
2. Powdery Dust (Frass): Fine, sawdust-like powder, known as Frass, in small piles around or beneath holes. This is the waste left behind by larvae as they tunnel through the wood.
3. Tunnels in the Wood: Visible grooves or tunnels inside the timber, especially when broken or cut open.
4. Soft or Crumbly Wood: Wood that feels soft or breaks easily may be structurally weakened by larvae.
5. Live Larvae or Beetles: You might spot small white larvae or adult beetles, especially in summer. Adult beetles are often found near windows or light sources.
6. Dead Beetles Near Wood: Even if beetles are dead, their presence near exit holes may indicate a recent infestation.
7. Discoloured or Damaged Patches: Uneven colouration or surface damage on wooden furniture or beams.

 FlightHoles: Look for clean, sharp-edged holes in the wood surface, left by adult beetles as they emerge.

What to Do If You Spot These Signs

• Act quickly! By tackling the issues early, you can prevent long-term and structural damage to your property.
• Avoid DIY treatments – contact a professional to assess the property and diagnose the right treatment. Correct identification of insect attack is essential to ensure effective treatment.

Kenwood is an expert in property preservation. Our expert team carry out a wide range of treatments for the eradication and control of all commonly found wood boring insects and can be used to control existing infestations and prevent further attack.

The first step is to for us to visit the property and do an inspection. We will provide a report of our findings and a quotation for treatments if found necessary.

Using a simple water based, low odour preservative treatment that takes just one hour to dry means you won’t be out of the property for long.

The most common method used by Kenwood for woodworm treatment to timber floors involves exposing the timbers by lifting floorboards to gain access to the sub-floor void. The joists, wall plates, bearers, sub floor timbers and the underside of the floorboards are then treated. The Kenwood Insecticide we use, which is applied by our own experienced team, is specially formulated for deep penetration into the timbers, ensuring your property is woodworm-free and residents are safe.

We’re often found in roof spaces too

Trust the experts

Kenwood has published a handbook “The Guide to the Identification of Insect Infestation and Fungal Decay” which is an authoritative guide used by Chartered Building Surveyors, Valuers and Home Inspectors, undertaking property inspections.

For more information, visit our woodworm treatment page

If you think you have a woodworm infestation, book a survey: https://www.kenwoodplc.co.uk/book-surveys/