Woodworm is one of the most common and destructive timber issues found in UK homes. Left untreated, it can weaken structural timbers, damage floors and furniture, and create long-term safety risks. The good news? With the right diagnosis and professional treatment, woodworm can be completely eliminated.
What Is Woodworm?
Woodworm is the generic term for the larvae of wood-boring beetles. These insects lay their eggs in cracks, crevices or existing timber holes. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow through the wood, feeding on the cellulose and leaving behind a network of tunnels.
The most common species found in UK properties include:
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Common Furniture Beetle – the most widespread
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Deathwatch Beetle – typically affects older, damp timbers
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House Longhorn Beetle – less common but extremely destructive
Signs of Woodworm Infestation
Spotting the signs early can prevent costly repairs later. Look out for:
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Small round holes (1–3mm) in timber
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Fine powdery dust (frass) around beams or furniture
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Crumbling or weakened wood
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Adult beetles emerging in warmer months
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Visible tunnels in cut or damaged timber
If you’re unsure whether it’s active, a survey is essential.
How Woodworm Is Treated
Depending on the species and severity, treatment may include:
1. Professional Timber Survey
A qualified surveyor identifies the beetle type, level of activity, and any structural concerns.
2. Specialist Insecticidal Treatment
A professional-strength treatment is applied to kill larvae within the timber.
3. Deep Penetration Gels
Used when larvae burrow deeper into larger or older beams.
4. Timber Repairs or Replacement
In cases of severe damage, affected sections are repaired or replaced.
5. Fixing Underlying Issues
Damp often attracts wood-boring insects, so addressing moisture problems helps prevent future infestations.
Why Choose Shield Waterproofing & Preservation?
When it comes to protecting your home, experience and expertise matter.
✔ Qualified CSRT/CSSW Surveyors
All surveys are carried out by certified experts — never salespeople.
✔ Proven Treatments That Work
Shield uses industry-approved solutions designed to eradicate woodworm safely and effectively.
✔ Honest, Independent Advice
Shield is completely independent, meaning recommendations are based solely on what your property needs.
✔ Full Timber & Damp Expertise
If your woodworm is linked to damp, rot or other timber issues, Shield can diagnose and treat everything in one visit.
✔ Trusted Across the UK
With decades of experience, Shield has built a reputation for reliability, quality, and long-term results.
Learn More About Woodworm Treatment
For full details on how woodworm is identified, treated, and prevented, take a look at how Shield Preservation can help with your woodworm issues
Guaranteed Waterproofing Solutions!
Contact Shield Preservation today to learn how our expert waterproofing services can protect your property from water damage and keep it safe and dry for years to come.
Call us today on 0800 098 2780
About Shield Preservation
Shield Preservation was set up by a team of professionals with over 30 years experience in the waterproofing, damp proofing and timber preservation industry. Our surveyors are CSRT and CSSW accredited, offering excellent service and sensible advice, for the smallest to larger projects both domestic and commercial.
With over 30 years’ combined expertise in waterproofing, damp proofing, and timber preservation, the team behind Shield Preservation brings a wealth of knowledge to every project. Our CSRT- and CSSW-accredited surveyors are committed to delivering reliable service and practical advice, whether you’re dealing with a small domestic concern or a large commercial undertaking.
Friendly and professional, our specialists provide bespoke guidance and proven solutions for challenges including waterproofing, damp proofing, woodworm, wet rot, dry rot, timber preservation, concrete repairs, and structural repairs. We also carry out in-depth structural surveys, giving you the clear, informed perspective you need to safeguard your property. Contact us today to discover the most effective approach for your building’s preservation.
Why Choose Shield Preservation?
Team
We boast a highly experienced team of surveyors providing site specific technical advice and designs for the most complex of projects from concept to completion.
Independent
As an independent company we are able to specify the appropriate products from a range of trusted suppliers to best suit the individual site and it’s limitations.
Guaranteed
Our works are backed up with a Shield Preservation Guarantee and we can offer an insurance backed guarantee through CGS (Construction Guarantee Scheme) if requested.
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