How Much Does Woodworm Treatment Cost

As is the case with any type of damp-related problem in the property, the cost of treatment comes down to the severity of the issue. Quite simply, the earlier you diagnose a problem, the more affordable it will be to treat.

That is why, here at Garratt’s Damp & Timber, we strongly urge everyone to regularly check their property for even modest signs of an infestation. While, at first, damp may simply be nothing more than an inconvenience in your mind, allowing the issue to grow – especially in the case of woodworm which can result in expensive wood-boring insects treatment costs – will become a serious problem.

What Happens if Woodworm is Left Untreated?

Woodworm is, commonly, a difficult damp-related issue to diagnose early on because the clearest sign of an infestation are the holes and dust (frass) left once the insects have already exited the timber. However, there are other signs to watch out for and even if you notice exit holes and dust, that does not necessarily mean that the infestation has completely left. The chances are that the property now has insects such as the common furniture beetle which will seek a new host, potentially infesting further timber in your home.

If left untreated, woodworm severely weakens timber structures as the larvae eat away at the material from the inside. This, of course, dramatically weakens its structure. In the case that the affected timber is a structural beam, this will soon put the safety of anyone in and around the property at risk.

Rashes

Weakened structural beams are not the only issue to be aware of, although almost certainly the most serious. As we have already touched upon, the common furniture beetle that grows from the larvae will seek a new host and, as the name suggests, that is likely to be furniture made of timber.

Sofas and chairs are the most common homes for such insects, meaning that either you or your friends and family could be sitting in the midst of an infestation. Additionally, it is not completely unheard of for the parasites of the common furniture beetle to bite human skin which can cause a nasty rash.

While it is highly unlikely that you will experience any serious health risks, bites and rashes can be somewhat painful and certainly uncomfortable. If an infestation has reached this point, invasive treatment is likely to be required which could involve making the property inhabitable for a short period.

Expected Wood Boring Beetles Treatment Cost

With a variety of treatments available, each tailored to suit individual properties on a case-by-case basis, it is difficult to offer a price without first conducting a survey and diagnosing the issue. At Garratt’s Damp & Timber, we offer surveys where we will conduct a thorough inspection of the problem area, as well as the property as a whole, before offering a full and thorough quotation.

As part of this service, our team of damp proofing experts will detail exactly what treatment is required, why we recommend it and what this will entail. We will ensure that this is explained clearly and concisely, as well as answering any and all questions that you may have.

With various treatments available, all designed to treat different types (and severities) of infestations, it is important that the services of a professional are called upon and not carried out by anyone unqualified.

Different Treatments

Numerous types of beetles may be present during a woodworm infestation and, while the common furniture beetle is the most common, it is important to note that treatment for this particular insect might not affect others. Other types of beetle can be just as, if not more, destructive than the common furniture beetle; therefore, if the incorrect treatment is carried out, the results can be dangerous.

If, once a member of the Garratt’s Damp & Timber team has diagnosed the issue as being the result of the common furniture beetle, then the treatment is quite simple. A chemical spray is applied to the affected areas which seep into the wood to exterminate the beetle larvae. The treatment is completed after an hour and you may re-enter the property, by which time the breeding cycle has been disrupted and the material is protected from further infestation.

In the case of a more invasive type of insect, such as Xestobium Rufovillosum (commonly referred to as the Death Watch Beetle), a gel treatment is likely to be deemed as the best course of action. This is injected directly into the wood and applied to the surface to treat the issue. Not all pest control services have the capabilities to deal with this type of infestation, but this is something that our damp proofing specialists have years of experience with.

Call Garratt’s Damp & Timber

If you suspect that your property has a woodworm problem and you are interested in exploring wood-boring insect treatment costs and services, please get in touch with a member of our team today to arrange a property survey and quotation.