Despite their tiny size, woodworm can cause serious damage to wooden structures, furniture, and cherished items in your home. Left unchecked, these pests can go unnoticed for years, gradually eating away at the wood from the inside and leaving you with extensive (and costly) damage.

The good news? Timing your treatment just right can make a big difference in how effective it is, and help keep your wood safe for years to come.

The Prokil team have tackled woodworm infestations of all kinds, so we know what works best. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best times of year to treat woodworm and explain how factors like temperature and humidity can play a role.

Why does time of year matter when treating woodworm?

Woodworm refers to the larvae of various wood-boring beetles, such as the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) and the deathwatch beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum). Timing your treatment is important because it aligns with their life cycle, which has four stages:

1. Egg: Female beetles lay their eggs on the surface of wood, often in cracks, crevices, or exposed grain.
2. Larva: After hatching, the larvae burrow into the wood and feed, creating tiny tunnels. This stage can last 2 to 5 years, depending on the species and environment.
3. Pupa: The larvae transition to pupae, preparing to emerge as adult beetles. This stage takes place inside the wood.
4. Adult Beetle: Adult beetles emerge, leaving behind small exit holes. Their primary focus is reproduction, starting the cycle all over again.

Adult beetles usually emerge in spring and summer, making it easier to spot infestations during this time. The larva and pupa stages occur more often in autumn and winter, as the beetles remain inside the wood. Treatment tends to be most effective when it’s timed to match this cycle, targeting the pests at their most vulnerable stages.

When’s the best time to treat woodworm?

Treating woodworm effectively means timing it right, and the best time depends on the beetles’ life cycle and the surrounding conditions. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:

Spring and early summer

Spring and early summer are peak activity times for wood-boring beetles. This is when adult beetles emerge from the wood to mate and lay eggs. During this period, you’re more likely to notice telltale signs of an infestation, like tiny exit holes, wood dust (frass), or even spotting the beetles themselves.

Treating woodworm during this time is particularly effective because:

• Adult beetles are out and actively searching for spots to lay eggs, making it easier to disrupt their cycle.
• Treatments applied now can stop new infestations before they start.
• Visible signs of activity help pinpoint the areas that need attention.

Winter

Even though beetle activity slows down during the colder months, winter is still a good time to treat woodworm. The larvae remain active inside the wood throughout the year, quietly feeding and tunnelling away. Treating during this time targets the larvae before they can become adults.

Winter is also a great time to focus on prevention. Treating wooden beams, furniture, or other structures now makes sure they’re protected by the time spring arrives, and beetle activity picks up again. Acting early gives you peace of mind for the year ahead.

How can environmental factors influence treatment?

The success of woodworm treatment doesn’t just depend on timing – environmental conditions play a big role too. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Humidity

Woodworm loves damp wood, so if your home tends to be humid, it’s worth tackling that along with your treatment. Try using a dehumidifier or improving ventilation in those areas – it’ll help keep the wood dry and make it less inviting for woodworm to come back.

Ventilation

Poor airflow makes it easier for woodworm to thrive. Make sure spaces like attics, basements, and crawl spaces are well-ventilated, and if you’re storing furniture or timber, keep it in a dry, airy spot to discourage pests from settling in.

Why choose Prokil for woodworm treatment?

At Prokil, we know how stressful and damaging a woodworm infestation can be. Our professional woodworm treatment and preservation services are designed to make the whole process as stress-free as possible; while still delivering the results you need to keep your home safe and sound.

Here’s why you can trust us:

• With over 50 years of experience, our team has the expertise to accurately assess the extent of any infestation and recommend the most effective treatment plan. No matter the time of year or the severity of the problem, we’ll get the job done right.
• We use high-quality, long-lasting treatments designed to eliminate woodworm and keep your wood protected for years.
• Our service covers it all – from tackling active infestations to offering advice on long-term prevention, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t wait until woodworm causes serious damage. Book a survey online or call us on 0800 048 9488 today, and let us help you protect your home – and give you peace of mind!