Woodworm destroys timber so keep a lookout for it! Woodworm are the laval stage of insects of the Anobiidae which are flying beetle like creatures. There are about four species of this beetle in the UK which love to munch through wood. The Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) is the most common one in the UK.
The beetles emerge from their pupae from May onwards then throughout the summer. They are attracted to light so keep a lookout for them – beetle like creatures generally between 3mm and 6mm long, cylindrical shape and dark to reddish brown in colour. Once they emerge they start looking for a mate. The female will lay eggs in crevices and cracks and old exit holes. Some will bore holes into the wood in which to lay their eggs. The eggs are glassy looking and grouped in clusters, and if in a visible place can be seen with the naked eye The larvae hatch within a couple of weeks and immediately burrow into the wood, continuing to do so for between 1 and 5 years (depending on the species).
The exit holes that you see are ‘the tip of the iceberg’ – the larvae burrow deep into the wood. Fortunately most antique furniture is very solid and woodworm can sometimes appear to be rampant but, amazingly, the furniture is still standing. I found some information issued by Rentokil which gives some more information and some images of the common furniture beetle
http://www.ri-research.com/otherservices/propertycare/PDFs/pcil1.pdf
1. Fresh exit holes in your furniture have sharp looking edges and the wood inside looks freshly cut. You may be able to see wood dust in them or below them.
2. Look out for the beetles in the Summer months – remember they are attracted to light.
The easiest way of getting rid of woodworm yourself without affecting your furniture too much is to treat the woodworm chemically. Treat your furniture annually if you can.
Liquid woodworm killer, a small syringe (but not the needle) a small paintbrush, a clean cloth and protective clothing (gloves, goggles, overalls).
Remember that woodworm killers are toxic so check the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the use of their products on furniture in your home. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
1. Treat the Exit Holes
Suck some woodworm killer up into the syringe and place its mouth to completely cover an exit hole. Gently press the plunger (take care – the killer may spurt out of an adjacent hole or from around the end of the syringe). Stop pressing when either of these things happen - the hole is full. Wipe up any runs (the killer may stain the finish). Repeat this treatment on the next exit holes 2” or 5cm away.
2. Brush Application
Now With your paint brush apply the killer around the joints, crevices and corners of your furniture.
The killer will not penetrate the finishes on your furniture as well as bare wood and may affect the finishes so it is best to avoid contact with the woodworm killer in highly visible areas (luckily the woodworm prefer dark corners).
If you’re having trouble getting a syringe they are often stocked by companys which sell farm stock sundries (I bought my last syringes from an animal feed
merchant).
Now you’ve done the treatment remember to colour all the fresh exit holes with some dark wax or anything else handy which will darken them enough to enable you to recognize any new exit or entrance holes which might appear in the future.
Remember that woodworm will also attack other wood in your home so if you think you have woodworm in your furniture it is worth including your woodwork in your checking and treatment regime. You may also consider hanging fly papers in light places during the summer months to catch the beetles before they mate.
There are other treatments for woodworm and furniture damaged by woodworm can normally be restored. Please contact me if you would like some more information.
Most antique furniture was very solidly made and can withstand some of its structure being weakened by woodworm whilst still being serviceable. There is, of course, a limit to this. Furniture which has been damaged by woodworm can be restored. Please contact me if you would like to know more.