Fresh exit holes and frass
New-looking holes with clean edges and pale, powdery material below the timber can support evidence of recent activity.
Timber inspection and treatment
Woodworm Treatment in South West London & Surrey
Careful identification of active wood-boring beetle infestation before appropriate treatment of floor joists, roof timbers, beams and other structural wood.
- Activity checked first
- Timber condition assessed
- South West London & Surrey
Old holes do not always mean active attack
What is woodworm?
Woodworm is a general name for the larval stage of wood-boring beetles that feed within timber. Adult beetles later emerge through characteristic exit holes. The species, moisture conditions and duration of attack affect the potential damage.
Exit holes can remain visible for decades, so their presence alone does not establish current activity. Inspection should consider fresh frass, hole edges, live insects, the affected timber and moisture conditions before treatment is recommended.
Active woodworm images
Signs of a potentially active infestation
Larval tunnelling and emergence
Larvae feed within the timber before adult beetles emerge. The timber species, beetle species and conditions influence the pattern and risk.
Identification note: Hole size and frass character may help distinguish species, but a close inspection is more reliable than identifying from one symptom alone.
What we look for
Woodworm inspection considerations
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Exit holes
Hole size, shape, edge condition, distribution and whether surfaces have been painted or disturbed.
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Frass
Recent bore dust or pellets beneath timber, within holes or around emergence areas.
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Timber strength
Softening, crumbling, extensive galleries or loss of section in structural members.
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Moisture
Damp, ventilation defects and leaks that may create conditions favourable to attack or timber decay.
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Location
Floor voids, roof spaces, joist ends, beams, stairs and other areas where access affects inspection.
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Species and activity
Evidence supporting the likely beetle type and whether attack appears active, historic or uncertain.
Treatment images and process
How active woodworm may be treated
Preparation and access
Timber should be accessible and suitable for the specified treatment. Dust, coatings or obstructions may need attention before application.
Targeted preservative application
An appropriate treatment is applied to prepared timber in accordance with the selected product, species risk and agreed specification.
Inspect
Assess holes, frass, timber condition, likely species, moisture and evidence of current activity.
Correct conditions
Address leaks, persistent damp or poor ventilation where these contribute to timber vulnerability.
Prepare & treat
Expose and prepare suitable timber, then apply the specified treatment using the appropriate method.
Repair & monitor
Repair or replace seriously weakened timber where required and follow any monitoring guidance.
Treat only where appropriate
Not every old woodworm hole needs chemicals
Historic beetle flight holes may remain after an infestation has ended. Applying treatment without checking activity can add cost without solving a current problem. Likewise, treatment alone does not restore strength to timber that has lost a significant section.
- Confirm whether activity is current or historic
- Consider moisture and ventilation conditions
- Check joist ends, bearings and concealed areas where accessible
- Specify treatment for the likely species and timber
- Repair or replace structurally weakened sections where required
Project example
View woodworm case studyWoodworm Treatment Case Study
See the inspection findings, evidence of activity, timber preparation, treatment application and completed property-preservation work.
Woodworm treatment near you
South West London and Surrey coverage
Atruss Preservation provides appropriate woodworm and timber treatment in Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Tooting, Wandsworth, Putney, Clapham, Battersea, Richmond, Kingston, Sutton, Epsom, Reigate and surrounding areas.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about woodworm treatment
How can I tell whether woodworm is active?
Possible signs include fresh pale exit holes, clean-edged holes, recent powdery frass, live larvae or beetles and new material appearing beneath timber. Old holes alone do not prove current activity.
Does every timber with woodworm holes need treatment?
No. Historic exit holes may remain long after activity has stopped. Species, activity, timber condition and moisture should be assessed before treatment is specified.
How is active woodworm treated?
Treatment depends on species, access and timber condition. It may include preparation and application of an appropriate preservative, alongside moisture correction and repair or replacement of seriously weakened timber.
Can woodworm weaken floor joists?
Long-term or severe attack can reduce timber section and strength. Where structural timber is significantly weakened, treatment may need to be combined with repair, strengthening or replacement.
When are adult beetles most noticeable?
Emergence timing varies by species and conditions. Many common wood-boring beetles are noticed during warmer months, but inspection should consider all available evidence rather than relying on season alone.
Where do you treat woodworm?
We provide woodworm inspection and appropriate timber treatment across South West London and Surrey.
Found holes or fresh wood dust?
Call Atruss Preservation to discuss the timber and arrange the next step.