We’ve all heard horror stories about the trouble woodworm can cause, so if you spot signs of it in your home, it’s easy to lose hope. Woodworm can spread quickly and stick around for a long time, so it might seem like the affected wood is beyond saving.

But here’s the good news: that’s often not the case! With the right approach and timely action, wood damaged by woodworm can frequently be treated and restored.

The Prokil team has handled hundreds of woodworm cases, so we know just how to tackle them. In this guide, we’ll explain what woodworm is, how to treat it effectively, and how to keep your timber woodworm-free!

What is woodworm?

Let’s start by understanding what woodworm actually is.

Woodworm refers to the larvae of certain beetles that burrow into wood as they feed and grow. They can infest a variety of wooden items, from furniture to structural beams and flooring.

You can usually spot a woodworm problem if you notice things like:

• Small, round holes on the surface of the wood
• Fine, powdery dust (frass) around the holes
• Soft or crumbling wood, especially near joints or edges

Untreated woodworm can weaken the wood and spread to other areas, so it’s important to address the issue early on to keep your wood in good shape.

Can infested wood be saved?

Whether wood can be saved from woodworm often depends on how much the infestation has spread. The sooner you act, the better the chances of preserving it.

As soon as you spot signs of woodworm, take a look at the extent of the damage. Acting early gives you a wider range of treatment options to eliminate the infestation and keep the wood intact. And even if the wood is quite damaged, there’s still hope – heavily affected wood can sometimes be reinforced or repaired, although this will need professional help.

How woodworm-infested timber can be saved

Saving woodworm-infested timber involves a few important steps. Because this process can be complex, it’s usually best to have a professional handle it.

1. Inspection

The first step in saving woodworm-infested timber is to check how extensive the infestation is. A timber specialist can survey your property to find out:

• How much structural damage the larvae have caused
• Which beetle species is responsible, since different types may need specific treatments
• Whether the infestation has spread to nearby timber

Catching it early can make a big difference. Less damage means simpler treatment options and easier reinforcement, helping preserve your timber for the long run.

2. Treatment

Once a woodworm infestation is confirmed, there are several effective treatment options professionals can use to remove it. The best approach will depend on how severe the infestation is and the specific needs of the timber:

Chemical treatment (insecticides)

The most common method involves applying insecticides directly to the wood, which kills the larvae and prevents future infestations. Professionals use specially formulated treatments that penetrate deeply, targeting both larvae and adult beetles for long-lasting protection.

Fumigation

For more severe or widespread infestations, fumigation may be the answer. This process involves sealing the timber and introducing fumigants that reach even the deepest layers, eliminating larvae, eggs, and adult beetles. Fumigation is especially helpful for heavily infested or hard-to-reach areas, like floor joists or roof beams.

Heat treatment

Heat is a natural, chemical-free way to tackle woodworm. By raising the timber’s temperature to a safe level, professionals can eliminate the larvae effectively. Heat treatment works especially well for furniture and smaller timber items that can be moved to a controlled environment, making it a great eco-friendly option for certain cases.

Wood stabilisation and reinforcement

If the timber has significant damage, reinforcement may be needed to restore its strength. Professionals can apply resin or fillers to stabilise weakened areas, especially for load-bearing or structural timber. In extreme cases, some timber may need to be replaced entirely.

How to stop woodworm from coming back

After treating a woodworm infestation, a few preservation steps can help keep your timber strong and prevent future issues:

1. Apply wood preservatives

Applying a wood preservative adds an extra layer of protection to your timber. This helps guard against moisture and discourages beetles from coming back, while also reinforcing the wood and making it more resistant to everyday wear and tear.

2. Maintain ideal humidity levels

Woodworm larvae love damp environments, so keeping humidity in check is key. Good ventilation and using dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas (like basements and lofts) can help prevent woodworm from finding a home in your timber.

3. Regular inspections

Routine professional inspections are a great way to catch any new signs of woodworm early. These checks are especially valuable for high-risk areas and structural timber, where early detection can help you avoid costly repairs.

Choose Prokil for All Your Woodworm Treatment Needs

At Prokil, we specialise in providing woodworm treatment services to properties across the South, including London, Surrey, Dorset, and surrounding areas,

We offer a full range of timber care services – from thorough inspections to long-term preservation – to keep your wood strong, beautiful, and pest-free. Our experienced team will assess your specific problem and create a plan to resolve it, from eliminating active infestations and preserving as much timber as possible, to applying preservative wood treatments and repairing damaged timber. We also provide post-treatment options like ventilation and damp proofing to prevent future issues.

Don’t let woodworm damage your property any further. Book a survey online or give us a call on 0800 048 9488, and let us make your woodworm problems a thing of the past!