Home Timber Services Woodworm Treatment

Woodworm Treatment

Woodworm treatment eliminates active wood-boring beetle infestations from structural timbers, floorboards, and furniture to protect your property. As specialists, we identify the beetle species, treat affected areas, and implement measures to prevent future infestations.

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Woodworm Surveys & Treatments by Certified Specialists

Woodworm is caused by wood-boring beetle larvae tunnelling through timber. It can affect floorboards, roof timbers and even treasured furniture, gradually weakening the structure and leading to costly repairs if left untreated. In some cases, ongoing woodworm activity can also be linked with wider damp or timber decay issues, such as wet or dry rot.

Prokil provides expert woodworm surveys, inspections and treatments for homes and businesses across the UK. A qualified timber surveyor assesses your property, identifies the beetle species involved and checks whether the infestation is active. You receive a clear written report with recommendations and no obligation to proceed.

With over 50 years’ experience, we have treated woodworm infestations of all sizes in various properties, including listed and historic buildings. Our specialists are experienced in dealing with common furniture beetle, deathwatch beetle and other woodworm species in floorboards, roof timbers, lofts and furniture. We tailor every treatment to the condition of your property.

Why Choose Prokil for Woodworm Treatment?

Over 50 years’ experience in timber preservation and woodworm control
Property Care Association (PCA) and TrustMark accredited
CSRT and CSSW-certified surveyors on every survey and treatment plan
Woodworm treatments covered by the Prokil Guarantee for up to 20 years
Local branches across the UK provide detailed reports and responsive support

How is Woodworm Treated?

There are several methods for treating woodworm. The best approach will depend on the severity of the infestation, the species of woodboring beetle responsible, and whether it is still active. Most active woodworm in structural timbers, floorboards or furniture is treated with targeted insecticides.

Woodworm Spray Treatment

Most woodworm infestations can be resolved through a surface spray treatment. A water-based insecticidal solution containing Permethrin is applied to affected and surrounding timbers to kill larvae and help prevent re-infestation.

During a spray treatment, your Prokil technician will typically:

Treat affected timbers and adjacent “at risk” areas
Target common species such as the common furniture beetle
Apply products in line with COSHH and safety guidance
Support both woodworm removal and long-term prevention
Ventilate treated rooms so they can usually be reoccupied after 3-4 hours

Because concentrated permethrin can irritate the skin, eyes, throat and nose, our engineers always wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus and ensure good ventilation.

Woodworm Injection Treatment

Where surface treatment is not enough, such as with deep-seated deathwatch beetle infestations, we use woodworm injection treatment. The beetle can live inside timbers for up to 10 years, gradually weakening beams and joists from within.

A gel or paste insecticide is injected into existing flight holes or small drilled holes, and in severe cases, this may be repeated to reach deep-seated larvae. For sensitive areas, such as valuable furniture or historic features, your surveyor may also discuss alternative methods, including more targeted treatments designed to minimise disruption while still eliminating active woodworm.

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

How Long Does Woodworm Treatment Last?

Once all active beetles and eggs have been removed, most treated timbers remain protected for many years, provided the underlying conditions in your property are kept under control. Your surveyor will explain how long your specific treatment is expected to last based on the size of the infestation and the areas affected.

Before treatment, we conduct a detailed woodworm survey so that you receive an accurate plan and clear quote for the work involved. In many cases, this costs far less than you might expect and is supported by a written record you can keep for future reference, for example, if you plan to sell your home.

You can further reduce the risk of woodworm returning by tackling the conditions they thrive in. Woodworm prefers damp, humid timber, so keeping your property well ventilated, managing condensation and addressing any damp problems will help keep your timbers dry and protected.

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

Why Do I Need Woodworm Treatment?

Without treatment, a woodworm infestation is highly unlikely to improve on its own. In most cases, woodworm spreads into other timbers and new areas of your property.

Woodworm larvae tunnel through timber as they feed. As the number of tunnels increases, the wood becomes weaker. This is a serious concern for structural rafters, joists and floorboards, which must remain strong and safe. If woodworm is left untreated, affected timbers can become brittle and eventually crumble.

If you suspect woodworm, or it has been flagged in a homebuyer or structural survey, Prokil can advise on the urgency of the problem and what is needed to satisfy surveyors, insurers or mortgage providers, as well as to protect your property safely.

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

How Do I Know If I Need Woodworm Treatment?

If you are uncertain whether the timbers in your property are infested with woodworm, look out for these common symptoms:

Small circular or oval holes in wood, approximately 2-8mm in diameter
Fine, powdery dust called frass around these exit holes or on nearby surfaces
Small beetle carcasses, which can be mistaken for other household insects
Timbers that feel brittle, crumble easily or give way without an obvious cause
Jagged scoring or visible tracks that follow the direction of the wood grain

Confirming whether woodworm is active or historic can be difficult without expert help. Our woodworm specialists have many years of experience surveying and treating timber in homes, rented properties and commercial buildings, including older and listed structures.

If you notice any of these symptoms, Prokil can organise a convenient survey at a time that suits you. Our service is designed for homeowners, landlords and property professionals who want fast, reliable answers about the condition of their timber. We explain what we find in plain language and outline your options clearly so you can decide on the right next step for your property and budget.

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

Similar Treatments

Wet Rot Treatment

Wet rot treatment means finding and removing decayed wood caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. The area is dried, treated with fungicidal preservatives, and replaced using pre-treated wood. A qualified survey is essential to prevent further decay and preserve structural safety.

Dry Rot Treatment

Identify and remove timber damaged by the dry rot fungus. Prokil eliminate the moisture source and apply specialist fungicidal solutions to all affected areas before replacing the wood with pre-treated timbers. A professional dry rot survey helps stop the fungus from spreading and protects the structural integrity of your property.

Timber Preservation Treatment

Timber preservation treatment protects structural and non-structural timbers where survey findings identify an increased risk of future deterioration linked to moisture exposure, fungal growth, or potential insect activity. Treatment is specified following professional inspection and is based on timber condition, exposure risk, and suitability for retention.

Timber Repair & Replacement

Timber repair and replacement restore integrity to timbers weakened by rot, moisture ingress, insects, or long-term deterioration. Survey findings indicate that repairs or replacements are needed to maintain safety in homes and buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is woodworm treatment harmful to humans?

Woodworm treatments typically involve the use of insecticides, which can...

Can woodworm come back after treatment?

Yes, woodworm can come back after treatment if the underlying conditions...

See more FAQs

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Book a survey from any of our locations, at a time that suits you.

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