How Can You Tell If Woodworm Is Active?

Woodworm refers to the larvae of various beetles that burrow into wood, causing damage over time. If you’ve spotted small holes in wooden furniture, beams, or flooring, you might wonder if the infestation is current (active) or from the past.

Here’s how to tell if woodworm is active—and what to do about it.

🔍 Signs That Woodworm Is Active

✅ 1. Fresh Boreholes (Exit Holes)

• Small, round holes in the wood (usually 1–2mm in diameter)
• Fresh holes often have sharp edges and look lighter in colour than the surrounding wood
• Older holes may appear darkened or dusty

🪵 If you’re seeing new holes over time, the infestation is still active.

✅ 2. Fine Powder (Frass) Near Holes

• Look for a fine, sandy dust beneath or around the holes
• This is frass—waste pushed out by the larvae as they tunnel
• Fresh frass is a strong indicator of active woodworm

🧹 Check for new frass after brushing or vacuuming the area—if more appears, the woodworm is active.

✅ 3. Live Larvae or Beetles

• You might spot tiny white larvae inside cracks or damaged wood
• During warmer months (April–September in the UK), you may also see:
  • Small beetles emerging from holes
  • Dead beetles on windowsills or floors

🔍 Most common beetle species: Common Furniture Beetle, Deathwatch Beetle

✅ 4. Tunnels Just Below the Surface

• If you break or split a piece of affected wood, look for network-like tunnels
• Fresh tunnels will be light-coloured, with little or no dust inside
• Older tunnels may look darker and inactive

✅ 5. Soft or Crumbly Wood

• Tap the wood—a hollow sound can mean internal damage
• If the wood crumbles or breaks easily, it may be infested
• Skirting boards, loft timbers, or floorboards are common hotspots

🧪 How to Test for Active Infestation

• Mark exit holes with a pencil or sticker
• Check again in a few weeks/months—if new holes appear, the infestation is active
• Use a moisture meter: Woodworm prefer damp wood (over 18% moisture)

🛠 What to Do If Woodworm Is Active

• Isolate affected furniture or areas
• Call a professional pest control or timber treatment specialist for confirmation
• Apply a woodworm treatment solution (boron-based products are common for DIY)
• Improve ventilation and reduce humidity, especially in lofts and basements

Conclusion

To tell if woodworm is active, look for:

• Fresh holes with clean edges
• New frass (dust) near the holes
• Live beetles or larvae
• Soft, weakened wood or fresh tunnels

Monitoring the area over time is key. If in doubt, consult a certified timber treatment professional to assess and treat the infestation properly.

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