isoltaed woodworm evidance

Hello,

we have just moved into a Victorian House.

One of the floor boards in the alcove next to the chimney breast has signs of woodworm. It has many little holes. We lifted the flooor board and can see dust directly below that looks very fresh. I cant see any other holes anywhere else apart from this spot.

The previous owners had an antique cabinet in this area of the house so it could be related to that. This item is now gone from teh house. Do you think thatmay solve teh problem?

Given that this appears isolated do you think that the problem may have gone away? Or even worse - just started perhaps?

Thanks

How big are the holes, are they blackstained?

check for any moisture (which makes the timber more favorable), and try see if there is any bore dust in the holes.

You can always squirt preservative into the holes and around the timber, and also use a wax crayon to fill the holes (so that if new holes appear, you can tell them apart).

Woodworm love old plywood so was probably attracted first to the cabinet. I've read they like the old fish glue used in manufacture. The odds are it's all long gone. The holes are the flight holes of the adult beetle leaving. Go to Wickes and get some woodworm/rot treatment. Brush it on and forget about it. Just check that the floor isn't springy as the joists may have been attacked and thus would also need treatment. Whichever way it goes it's only a bit job and not at all expensive to rectify.

Thanks guys - i really appreciate the advice - i have to admit i did panic a bit but have calmed down now.

Thanks!

hoover out all the dust and make it very clean. Then watch it for any signs of fresh dust.

If the house is very dry (centrally heated and no damp) woodworm do not seem to survive. Warm and humid is what they like best.

It does no harm to brush on a wood preservative wherever you suspect damage. I like Cuprinol. The modern version does not smell much. Remember that damage to joists and undersides of floorboards may get very bad before you fall through and become aware of it.