Woodworm is common in UK homes, especially in older properties. It’s important to get this treated before it ruins any furniture or timber, as it can quite easily cause a lot of damage.
If you find woodworm in your home, it’s worth treating it rather than replacing any damaged wood, as this can be a far more sustainable and affordable option.
Keep reading for our full guide on woodworm treatment near you.
How to find a woodworm treatment company near me
Finding woodworm treatment companies in your area is quick and easy with Checkatrade. Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
Short on time? Request a quote and we’ll get some of our approved members to contact you directly.
Your questions answered about woodworm treatment specialists near me
What is woodworm?
A woodworm infestation is when larvae feed off the cellulose in wood, which makes it weaker, worn away and less structurally sound.
Are there different types of woodworm?
- Common furniture beetle is the most common cause of woodworm. The best treatment to use for this is Boron woodworm treatment, an odourless, water based agent that can be sprayed or brushed onto the infected wood
- House longhorn beetle is one of the tougher woodworm pests to remove. To get rid of them you’ll need to hire a professional
- Deathwatch beetle can cause major issues as it tends to bury deep into the wood and consequently poses a structural threat. We recommend getting a woodworm survey to tell you exactly how bad the infestation is and what treatment will be required
- Wood boring weevil is less common and attacks damp and decaying timbers. You’ll often find them in cellars or basements. The best way to get rid of them is to remove the damp, dry out the timber and then replace the wood
How do I know if I’ve got woodworm?
There are a few obvious signs that you can look out for to determine whether you have woodworm or not.
- Exit holes are the most obvious sign of woodworm. They are usually 1-2mm in diameter. Bear in mind that wood that has already been treated will still show signs of holes, so you need to look out for fresh ones
- Fresh wood dust will be evident if you have an infestation. Woodworm beetles burrowing out will cause this
- Crumbling timber is an obvious sign that larvae will have munched through the timber causing it to weaken
- Beetles are an obvious sign of woodworm. You’re most likely to see them between May and September. Dead beetles may fall from timber, so they will be found on the floor underneath the wood
Can I treat woodworm myself?
If you think you may have a mild case of woodworm, you can treat it yourself using DIY methods and a woodworm killer that you can purchase from your local DIY shop.
However, you’ll never know the extent of the issue unless you call a professional to conduct a proper survey and diagnose the problem.
Is woodworm treatment harmful to children or pets?
It is advisable to keep children and pets away from the area until it has been fully treated and dried.
How much does a woodworm survey cost?
The first step of dealing with woodworm is to have a professional woodworm survey done. The survey will tell you the extent of the damage and what kind of treatment you will require.
A woodworm survey will cost between £80 - £250 depending on the size of your property.
The survey will generally include:
- Diagnosis of the specific insect
- Inspection of the roof void, under floorboards and all flooring timbers for signs of beetle infestation
- A report with woodworm treatment recommendations
How much do woodworm treatment companies charge?
The cost of woodworm treatment will depend on factors such as the type of damage, extent of the damage and where you are based.
Here are some average costs:
| Item | Average cost | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Professional woodworm survey | £80 - £250 | 1-4 hours |
| Boron treatment (per 25m2) | £30 | 1 hr - 2 days |
| Fogging treatment | £500 - £1,000 | 1-2 days |
| Fumigation treatment | £500 - £1,000 | 1-3 days |
| Loft treatment (3-bed house) | £400 - £900 | 1-2 days |
| Pest control hourly rate | £30 - £70 | - |
Last updated: June 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Questions to ask woodworm pest control companies
Before hiring a woodworm treatment company, it’s important to ask all of the right questions to make sure they are a good fit for you. Use the list of questions below to help find the right one for you.
What does your woodworm treatment involve?
A woodworm treatment company will likely use a woodworm treatment spray that will kill the infestation. If you have any questions or queries then the woodworm specialist will be able to answer them for you.
Can you give me past references?
It’s always good to see a tradesperson or company’s previous work. A reputable woodworm specialist will have testimonials from other customers they have worked with, so either ask for these or look for them on their website.
What’s your availability?
Once you think you may have detected a woodworm infestation, you’ll want to treat it as quickly as possible.
Ask the woodworm specialist when you can book their services.
How do I find the best woodworm control near me?
Follow our method of finding the best woodworm treatment companies that are local to you.
1. Search a professional trade directory
You’ll only find professionals who meet our high standards and pass our checks on Checkatrade. On average, our trades score 9 out of 10 on everything from reliability to tidiness.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
2. Check reviews
Take a look at online reviews when you are considering hiring a tradesperson or a particular service provider. That way, you can see previous customer experiences firsthand.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
3. Trusted recommendations
Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to hiring a tradesperson or service. Have friends or family used woodworm treatment services near you? If you’re given any names, don’t forget to cross-check them on Checkatrade!
Ready to find experienced and reputable woodworm treatment companies near you? Add your postcode to the box below to get started.