Advice on damp please.

[rcs]

Note to self: Must read original post properly
Is the problem area well exposed to the elements and prevailing weather?

So if the area has been bodged before, there must be something there that needs to be/has been rectified, i.e leaking gutter. Poor pointing can act act as a ridge and retain moisture, just like a bridged drip throat on a windowsill. If the area of pointing isn't the whole side of the house (and to render the whole house would be a big expensive job) I would be inclined to rake out and re-point the problem area, replacing the badly blown bricks then give it a few weeks to dry out.
Not sure how long it takes for moisture to percolate through but there are many houses with 9" brick walls and no render.
rcs

 

[Tiso]

As for your so called problem with woodworm, it is vary rare to find a case of live woodworm because they do not like the heat that occurs these days the holes could be as old as the house. As for using chemicals there has been numerous scientific reports into health problems associated with the chemical used to treat woodworm. As with all type of problems with wood such as wet rot and dry rot the only proper solution is the remove the damaged timbers and to make sure remove what looks like good timber up to a metre from the source. No need for chemicals. As for woodworm if the looks in good condition but just a few holes then just leave it as if you are an bad darts player