Woodworm can appear in any type of timber, including real wood floorboards. The term refers to all species of wood boring beetles, the most common species of these in the UK are the Common Furniture, Deathwatch, House Londhorn and Powder Post.
An infestation of woodworm can become a serious problem if it isn’t spotted or treated promptly. So understanding what signs to look out for and how to deal with the issue is essential to keep your wood flooring in top condition. We’ll outline everything you need to know in this article.
Why is Woodworm a Problem?
As wood boring beetles mature, they tunnel through the pieces of timber they hatch on. This means by the time they reach the surface, they’ve significantly weakened the structure of the wood. The lack of visibility also makes it difficult to identify an active woodworm infestation, making it difficult to know how much damage has been done and the level of treatment required.
Woodworm infestations are a particular problem in floorboards because they can affect both the aesthetics and functionality of your flooring. Crumbling edges, tunnels or holes and weaknesses in the boards can ruin your floor’s appearance and lead to costly repairs. If the beetles get into timber joists or supporting structures, then your floor could become a safety hazard.
Signs of Woodworm in Floorboards
Wood boring beetles are attracted to damp and unprotected timber (each species prefers a different type) where they lay eggs. These develop into larvae which, after hatching, will start burrowing through the wood. It can take between two and five years for beetles to mature and come to the surface of the timber.
This is when the most visible signs of an infestation start to appear, including:
- Round holes in the timber, these can be between 1mm and 10mm in diameter
- Frass (a fine, powdery dust) appearing near these holes
- Floorboards starting to crumble at the edges
- Weaknesses or creaking in your floorboards
- Tunnels through your floorboards
Dead beetles on your windowsills or near other light sources and predatory beetles (such as the Steely Blue) in your home are also potential signs of an infestation.
How to Treat Woodworm in Floorboards
If you spot the signs of woodworm, your first step should be to complete a thorough check of your floorboards to understand:
- How much of your wood floor has been affected
- Whether it’s just the floorboards affected or if supporting structures are also infested
- How severe the infestation is, this can be indicated by the number of holes and if there are any weaknesses in the floor
If the infestation hasn’t affected too many floorboards and there are only a few holes visible, then a DIY treatment is appropriate. These can be purchased from hardware stores and should be applied to both the surface of affected areas, nearby floorboards and injected into the visible holes. The active ingredient in these treatments is called Permethrin and is highly toxic, so be careful when handling.
Depending on the level of damage, you may want to remove and replace individual floorboards. This will also help prevent the spread of wood boring beetles.
For more severe or widespread infestations, you should call a professional to deal with the problem. You should also contact an expert if you’re unsure how big the issue is or if it’s continued to spread after DIY treatments.
How to Prevent Woodworm in Flooring
The first step to preventing woodworm in your real wood floor is making sure there are no signs of it in the floorboards as they’re installed. Choosing a trusted wood flooring supplier will give you reassurance of its quality. It’s also worth inspecting any timber supporting structures before your new wood flooring is laid and treating any areas you think are infested.
Once your flooring is in place, it’s important to keep your home warm and well ventilated. This will stop moisture from building up in the floorboards, which is a more attractive environment for wood boring beetles. Making sure you don’t bring any sources of woodworm (such as infested pieces of furniture) and regularly checking your floor for any signs of the problem will help you deal with any issues quickly and avoid major problems.
Keep Your Wood Floor Looking Beautiful
By understanding the signs of woodworm and how to take action, you can keep your wooden floor looking great. For a premium look and quality real wood floor, be sure to get in touch with our team to view our range and find an option that suits your home.