Woodworm Treatment in London

Recognising the Signs of Woodworm

Woodworm is caused by the larvae of wood-boring beetles, which feed on timber from the inside out. Visible damage on the surface often underestimates the extent of internal tunnelling. Look out for the following warning signs:

• Small, round or oval exit holes in timber surfaces
• Fine, powdery dust (known as frass) beneath or around affected timber
• Weakened, crumbling, or structurally soft timber
• Adult beetles emerging from timber between May and October
• Damaged or collapsing wooden furniture, floorboards, or roof timbers

If you notice any of these signs, arranging a woodworm survey promptly will help prevent further damage and determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Spotting the problem earlier rather than later is crucial.

Common Species Requiring Woodworm Treatment

Correct identification of the species involved is critical to effective woodworm control. Kenwood’s surveyors are experienced in identifying the most common wood-boring beetles.

Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum)

The most frequently encountered species in UK properties. It attacks the sapwood of both softwoods and hardwoods, leaving round exit holes of approximately 2mm in diameter. Sound timbers can be effectively treated using Kenwood’s insecticidal timber preservative, which eradicates existing infestations and protects against future attack.

 

Powder Post Beetle (Lyctus brunneus)

Superficially similar to the Common Furniture Beetle, with exit holes of approximately 2mm. However, it only attacks the sapwood of wide-pored hardwoods such as oak, elm, and obeche, and is typically found in recently imported hardwoods or plywood with an obeche core.

 

Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)

Produces larger exit holes of around 3mm, often with extensive internal tunnelling that can cause significant structural damage. Almost always found in hardwoods, particularly oak, where some degree of decay is already present. Embedded timbers are especially susceptible. Due to the larger dimensions of affected timber, periodic re-treatment may be required, and some timber replacement is often necessary.

House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus)

A serious pest predominantly found in roof voids and loft areas across South West London and Surrey, though it may occur elsewhere in smaller numbers. It attacks the sapwood of softwoods and is identified by large oval exit holes of 6–8mm, sometimes with ragged edges.

Larval tunnelling can cause complete internal disintegration of sapwood while leaving the outer timber surface apparently intact, making visible inspection alone unreliable. Infestations frequently require partial timber replacement. Treatment is applied using a deep-penetration preservative paste to ensure effective eradication.

How Kenwood Carries Out Woodworm Treatment

Following a woodworm survey and risk assessment by one of Kenwood’s surveyors, a detailed report and treatment quotation are provided.

Where woodworm treatment is required, our product range includes water-based, low-odour timber preservatives that, in many cases, allow properties to be reoccupied within a very short period.

For timber floors, the most common method involves lifting floorboards to expose the sub-floor void. The joists, wall plates, bearers, sub-floor timbers, and the underside of the floorboards are then treated with Kenwood’s insecticidal timber preservative, specially formulated for deep penetration to ensure both eradication of existing infestations and long-term timber protection.

Most woodworm treatments are completed within a single day. Kenwood’s products carry a one-hour re-entry status, meaning the property can be reoccupied as soon as treated timbers are dry, which typically occurs within one hour of treatment completion. All treatments are carried out by Kenwood’s experienced, skilled team.

Concerned about woodworm in your property? Kenwood offers free woodworm surveys in most areas of London. Speak to a specialist today to arrange an inspection and receive a no-obligation report and quotation.

Book a survey online or call our team.

Woodworm Treatment Cost and Guarantee

Kenwood does not normally charge for inspecting properties and providing a survey report and quotation across most parts of London.

Treatment costs vary depending on the species identified, the extent of infestation, and the timbers affected, all of which are confirmed following the site survey.

Timber treatments are guaranteed for up to 20 years, depending on the type of infestation and the treatment programme applied. Full guarantee details are provided with the survey report.

Why Choose Kenwood for Woodworm Treatment

Kenwood is a specialist in property preservation, working across the full range of structural timber, damp, and moisture-related issues affecting buildings. As a woodworm specialist with decades of experience, Kenwood brings technical knowledge that extends beyond the treatment itself to protect the long-term integrity of your property.

• Published technical authority: Kenwood has published The Guide to the Identification of Insect Infestation and Fungal Decay, an authoritative reference used by Chartered Building Surveyors, Valuers, and Home Inspectors
• Accurate species identification: Effective woodworm control depends on treating the right species in the right way. Kenwood’s surveyors are trained to identify all commonly found beetles
• Free surveys across most of London: No charge for inspection, report, or quotation in most areas
• Up to 20-year guarantee: On qualifying woodworm treatment programmes
• Own in-house team: All treatments carried out by Kenwood’s experienced, skilled operatives
• Full property preservation capability: Where woodworm is found alongside damp, rot, or fungal decay, Kenwood can assess and treat the whole picture

Woodworm Treatment FAQs

How do I know if I have an active woodworm infestation?

Active infestations typically produce fresh frass, a fine, powdery dust,  around exit holes, and adult beetles may be visible emerging from timber during late spring and summer. If holes look clean and pale rather than darkened with age, there is a higher likelihood of active infestation. A woodworm survey by a qualified specialist is the most reliable way to confirm activity.

What does a woodworm survey involve?

Kenwood’s surveyor will inspect the affected timbers, identify the species present, assess the extent of the infestation, and carry out a risk assessment. You will receive a written report of findings along with a treatment quotation. Kenwood does not normally charge for surveys across most parts of London.

How long does woodworm treatment take?

Most treatments are completed within a single day. Properties treated with Kenwood’s water-based, low-odour insecticidal preservative can typically be reoccupied within one hour of treatment completion, once treated timbers are dry.

Can woodworm damage be repaired, or does timber always need replacing?

In many cases, sound timbers can be treated in situ using Kenwood’s insecticidal preservative without the need for replacement. However, in severe infestations, particularly with Death Watch Beetle or House Longhorn Beetle, some timber replacement may be necessary. This will be confirmed following the survey.

Is woodworm treatment harmful to occupants or pets?

Kenwood uses water-based, low-odour timber preservatives with a one-hour re-entry status. Full guidance on vacating the property and re-entry requirements is provided for each project following the site inspection and risk assessment.

How long does a woodworm treatment guarantee last?

Kenwood’s timber treatments are guaranteed for up to 20 years, depending on the species, the extent of infestation, and the treatment programme applied. Full guarantee details are provided with the survey report.

Arrange Your Woodworm Survey Today

If you are concerned about woodworm in your property, contact Kenwood to arrange a free inspection across most areas of London. Our woodworm specialist team will assess the situation, identify the species, and provide a full written report with a no-obligation treatment quotation.

Book a next day survey online or call our team to discuss your requirements. We are here to help.