Wood worm Treatment Near You
At Dampness & Rot Ltd, we offer trusted woodworm treatment services with over 25 years’ experience identifying, treating and preventing infestations in timber, furniture, floorboards and structural woodwork.
“Proven Woodworm Treatment Specialists Across Glasgow, Edinburgh & Central Scotland”
Our highly skilled timber specialists are experienced to identify the earliest signs of woodworm infestation and conduct detailed assessments of timber damage, ensuring thorough and professional care at every stage.
This approach ensures you avoid costly repairs and protect your property’s value backed by our 10 year guarantee.
Signs of Woodworm (Common furniture beetle)
Spotting early signs of woodworm is crucial to protect your home’s structure and timber. Look out for visible woodworm beetles, fine wood dust (known as frass), or tiny holes in furniture, floorboards, or beams. If you think you might have a woodworm infestation, a quick check can prevent costly damage later.
Tiny Flight Holes
Small round holes in timber, 1-2 mm diameter — a clear indicator that woodworm beetles have emerged from the wood.
Frass (Wood Dust)
Powdery dust near holes or on surfaces. This is left behind by the larvae of the woodworm beetle as they chew through timber.
Crumbling Edges
Damaged or brittle timber edges, especially on furniture or skirting boards, may suggest long-term infestation.
Weakened Floorboards & Beams
Spongy or unstable timber flooring can be a sign of hidden woodworm in floorboards or structural beams.
Beetles Visible Indoors
If you spot tiny woodworm beetles (often mistaken for ants or small flies), especially near windows or in loft spaces.
Tapping or Scratching Sounds
In very quiet environments, the larvae can sometimes be heard as they burrow — a rare but telling sign of woodworm activity.
Where Woodworm Damage Usually Strikes
Common Areas Affected by Woodworm
Woodworm infestations can impact a wide range of timber surfaces and structures in your home. Whether you live in a modern flat or a heritage property, untreated areas like floorboards, roof timbers, or furniture are at particular risk. Identifying the vulnerable areas early can save you from extensive timber replacement and repair.
Floorboards: One of the most common problem areas. Woodworm in floorboards can cause creaking, instability, and long-term structural concerns.
Roof Timbers and Lofts: Poor ventilation and moisture make roof timbers a hotspot for larvae to thrive, especially in older homes.
Joists and Beams: These vital supports often go unchecked — allowing woodworm beetles to weaken load-bearing timber silently over time.
Furniture (Antique and New): From inherited dressers to modern wooden beds, woodworm in furniture spreads quickly, especially in damp rooms.
Skirting Boards: Low to the ground and often made from softwood, skirting boards are an easy target for beetle activity and flight holes.
Outdoor Timber Structures: Sheds, barns, and fencing made from untreated or aged wood are highly susceptible to woodworm infestation, especially in Scotland’s damp climate.
Tailored Solutions for Every Property Type
Woodworm in Domestic and Commercial Properties
Woodworm infestations can affect every type of property — from family homes to heritage buildings and commercial spaces. Because woodworm beetles target untreated or damp timber, any building with exposed wooden elements is at risk. A timely woodworm survey ensures proper identification and effective treatment.
Types of Wood Affected by Woodworm
Woodworm beetles don’t discriminate, they can infest both softwood and hardwood if conditions are right. Whether it’s old beams, modern flooring, or antique furniture, untreated or damp timber is especially vulnerable. Knowing which wood types are most at risk helps guide effective woodworm treatment strategies.
Softwoods (Pine, Spruce)
Used in most modern construction and furniture, softwoods are highly prone to woodworm infestations, especially when untreated.
Hardwoods (Oak, Beech)
While denser and more durable, even hardwoods can be damaged by certain species like the Deathwatch beetle (mistaken for Common furniture beetle) in older buildings.
Untreated Timber
The lack of protective coatings makes untreated timber a favourite target. It’s essential to apply preventative woodworm treatment during construction or renovation.
New and Antique Furniture
Whether it’s new pine wardrobes or old oak chairs, woodworm in furniture is common, particularly in pieces stored in damp rooms, lofts, or basements.
Choosing the Right Method for Lasting Results
How to Treat Woodworm | Safe & Professional Options
Effective woodworm treatment depends on proper identifiication and applying the right method for your property. From an effective remedial treatments to full timber replacement, professional solutions ensure long-term protection. DIY fixes often miss hidden infestations — a proper woodworm survey is the first step toward safe, guaranteed results.
Professional Survey and Identification: A qualified specialist will assess timber condition, species of woodworm beetle, and depth of infestation before recommending treatment.
Chemical Spray Treatments: The most common solution. Safe and low-odour woodworm spray treatments penetrate timber to kill larvae and protect surfaces.
Injection Treatments: Used for deeper infestations in beams or joists. Our woodworm injection treatment delivers active chemicals directly into the wood core.
Fumigation (Rare Cases): In extreme or commercial infestations, controlled fumigation may be used — but this is rare and tightly regulated.
Timber Replacement: Badly affected joists or floorboards may need replacing. We handle this with minimal disruption and full safety protocols.
Preventative Care: We apply long-lasting woodworm prevention treatment to vulnerable areas during renovation or post-treatment for added peace of mind.
Safety Comes First in Every Treatment
Is Woodworm Treatment Safe for Families and Pets?
Modern woodworm treatments are professionally applied and safe when handled correctly. We use COSHH-compliant, low-odour chemicals that dry quickly and pose no harm to your family. Whether you’re treating furniture, floorboards, or loft timbers, our technicians follow strict safety protocols.
What Happens During a Woodworm Survey?
A professional woodworm survey gives you a clear picture of the extent of damage and what treatment is needed. Our trained surveyors inspect visible signs, identify the species of wood-boring beetles, and assess moisture levels — ensuring your woodworm treatment plan is accurate and effective.
Visual Inspection
We check for flight holes, frass, weakened timbers, and any visible signs of woodworm infestation in furniture, floors, and beams.
Moisture Readings
High moisture content can attract woodworm beetles. We use specialist tools to detect damp conditions that fuel infestation.
Timber Condition Assessment
We test the strength of joists, floorboards, and roof timbers to identify hidden structural damage.
Identification of Beetle Species
Recognising the exact woodworm beetle type (like the common furniture beetle, wood boring weevils or deathwatch beetle) helps tailor the correct treatment.
Free or Paid Survey Options
We offer both complimentary basic surveys and in-depth reporting options for insurance, landlords, or listed buildings.
Breaking Down the Costs of Protection
How Much Does Woodworm Treatment Cost?
Woodworm treatment costs depend on the severity, location, and type of infestation. We offer clear pricing, long-term guarantees, and insurance-backed options. Whether it’s a small job on furniture or full roof timber treatment, we’ll give you a fixed quote with no hidden extras.
10 Year Treatment Guarantees: All treatments come with a 10 year guarantee.
Warranty Terms Explained: We walk you through what’s covered, including retreatments and structural repair coverage, so there are no surprises later.
Is Woodworm Covered by Insurance?: Some policies exclude timber pests, we help you understand your policy and support you with woodworm survey reports for claims.
Ensuring Long-Term Protection for Your Property
Aftercare & Monitoring After Woodworm Treatment
Proper aftercare ensures your woodworm treatment keeps working for years. Even after professional application, it’s important to stay alert for new signs of activity. We offer support, prevention advice, and annual checks to keep your property protected.
Why Choose Our Woodworm Treatment Specialists?
With over 25 years of hands-on experience, our woodworm treatment specialists provide safe, proven solutions tailored to the unique needs of Scottish properties. From traditional sandstone flats in Glasgow’s Southside to listed buildings and loft timbers, we’ve seen, and treated, it all.
Fully Qualified Surveyors
No pushy sales, just honest expert advice
COSHH-Compliant
Safe for families, pets, and trades
Long-Term Guarantees
Up to 10-year protection on qualifying treatments
Fast Response in Central Belt
Including emergency surveys
Trusted by Homeowners & Landlords Alike
Backed by 5-star reviews
TV-Featured Expertise
As seen offering advice on national television
Customer Reviews!
5 Star Reviews
Examples of Wood Worms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of woodworm in furniture or floorboards?
Early signs include tiny round flight holes (1–2mm), fine wood dust (frass) near or under timber, and weakened or crumbling wood edges. In some cases, you may spot tiny woodworm beetles indoors or hear faint tapping in very quiet conditions. Identifying these signs early can help prevent costly structural damage.
How is woodworm professionally treated?
Our professional woodworm treatment starts with a full survey to identify the beetle species and level of infestation. We then apply low-odour, COSHH-compliant chemical spray treatments or injection treatments for deeper infestations. In severe cases, timber replacement or fumigation may be required. All treatments are designed to be safe for families, pets, and the environment.
How much does woodworm treatment cost?
The cost of woodworm treatment depends on the infestation’s severity, affected areas, and property type. Prices can range from treating a small item of furniture to full roof timber treatment. At Dampness & Rot Ltd, we offer fixed quotes with no hidden charges and a 10-year guarantee on qualifying work.
Can I treat woodworm myself?
While DIY woodworm treatments are available, they often fail to reach deep infestations in joists, beams, and structural timbers. This can allow larvae to survive and cause further damage. A professional woodworm survey ensures the problem is fully identified and treated, with the added reassurance of a long-term guarantee.
Is woodworm treatment safe for children and pets?
Yes, our safe woodworm treatments use modern, water-based solutions that are low in odour and safe once dry. Typically, treated areas can be re-entered within a few hours. All products are COSHH-compliant and applied by trained specialists following strict safety protocols.