English woodworms are a common infestation in the UK and can wreak havoc on timbers found in homes, offices, factories, and beyond.
While the mere presence of insects in your home can be distressing, do not despair – getting rid of woodworms is fortunately an easy task.
However, if left untreated, these pests could cause critical structural damage to your home. For more information on how to exterminate these wood-eating parasites, continue reading below.
What are Woodworms?
Woodworms are the larvae of woodboring beetles. The adult beetles lay their eggs in cracks in the wood, and the larvae hatch and bore into the wood to eat it. This can cause extensive damage to furniture, floors, and other wooden structures.
Woodworms are small, destructive beetles that damage wood by tunneling through it. They are especially fond of wood that is already weakened by decay, so it’s important to address woodworm problems as soon as they’re discovered.
Identify Infested Areas
These include small, round holes in wood surfaces, piles of sawdust near these holes, and weak or sagging beams or other wooden structures. If you suspect you have a woodworm infestation, it is important to act swiftly.
If you see any holes, you should check the surrounding area for sawdust. This is a telltale sign of woodworms. The next way to get rid of woodworms is to remove any infested wood. If you have any infested wood, you should throw it away.
Destroy the Infested Wood
This will usually involve removing and destroying the infested wood, as well as any other potential sources of infestation. Once the infestation has been destroyed, you can then focus on ways to prevent woodworm in the future.
This may involve sealing any cracks or crevices in your home, as well as ensuring that any wood you bring into your home is free of woodworm.
Using Traps
One way to get rid of woodworms is to set traps. There are several different types of traps available, but they all work by luring the woodworms into a chamber where they can’t escape.
The most important thing to remember when using traps is to check them regularly and empty them as soon as possible, otherwise, the woodworms will just keep breeding.
You can either buy traps or make your own. To make your own, you will need a container that is at least 4 inches deep, a piece of wood that is at least 3 inches wide, and some sticky paper.
The container should have small holes drilled in the sides and the piece of wood should be placed across the top of the container. The sticky paper should be placed on the piece of wood.
The woodworms will be attracted to the wood and will crawl onto the sticky paper. Once they are on the sticky paper, they will be unable to escape and will eventually die.
Chemical Treatment
There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to mix borax and water to create a paste. Then, simply apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few hours.
You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely kill the woodworms. With prompt and proper treatment, you can rid your home or business of these destructive pests.
Prevent Them From Coming Back
To get rid of woodworms, you need to remove the food source that they’re feeding on – which is the wood. If you have wood furniture, you’ll need to get rid of it or seal it so that the woodworms can’t get to it.
Here are other tips to make sure woodworms are at the point of no return:
Thorough Cleaning
Start by thoroughly cleaning your home. Remove all food sources, such as wood shavings and sawdust, and vacuum regularly.
Regularly Use Insecticides
If you want to get rid of woodworms, you need to regularly use insecticides. This will help to kill any larvae that may be present in the wood. You should also regularly inspect your furniture for any signs of damage, as this can be a sign of an infestation.
Seal Any Cracks
This may involve sealing any cracks or crevices in your home. This is as well as ensuring that any wood you bring into your home is free of woodworm.
Inspect Your Home Regularly
Woodworms are attracted to wood that is already rotted or decaying, so it is important to inspect your home regularly for any signs of damage.
If you find any wood that is damaged, you should remove it and dispose of it immediately. You can also treat wood with a woodwormicide to help prevent them from infesting your home.
Learn to Get Rid of WoodWorms Starting Today
The best way to get rid of woodworms is to catch them early and treat the infested wood. If you see holes or sawdust, or if your furniture is creaking, these may be signs of woodworms.
You can treat the infested area with insecticide, or hire a pest control company to do it for you. Woodworms are difficult to get rid of once they’ve infested your home, so it’s important to act quickly.
So, what are you waiting for? Start getting rid of those woodworms right away!
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