This page is currently being updated.. If you have any further queries please contact
webmaster@havant.gov.uk
Wood-boring Beetles
The Council does not provide a service for the treatment of
Wood-Boring Beetles however the information provided should allow
you to make a decision regarding appointing a specialist pest
control company.
Where can I find a pest
control contractor? >>
Telephone: (023) 9244 6670
Email: ehenvironment@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre
Road, Havant PO9 2AX
Control of domestic Wood-Boring Beetles
Since damage by wood-boring beetles nearly always has its source
in eggs laid by the female, one important method of prevention is
to take care that infested wood, particularly infested furniture,
is not introduced into the house, or if the furniture cannot be
dispensed with, to take steps to eradicate the infestation while it
is still localised.
Wood can be protected from infestation and existing infestations
eradicated by treatment with a commercial wood preservative,
persistent contact insecticidal fluid, or preservative-insecticide
mixture sold for 'woodworm' control. These chemicals are made up in
appropriate solvents designed to give maximum penetration of the
wood and can be applied by brushing, spraying or pressure-injection
(although the latter method usually requires the services of a
specialist pest control company). Commercial products for household
use should be available from hardware stores, garden centres and
other retail outlets that stock household and garden insecticides.
Ask your local stockist for advice on the range of approved
products available in your area or country, since this varies from
place to place.
The best time to apply insecticides to wood is in spring
(March-May) when the insects are near the surface of the wood, just
before they emerge, and so are more accessible to the insecticide.
The life cycle of most wood-boring beetles lasts more than one
year, so that to achieve complete eradication it is essential to
repeat the treatment each year until signs of the attack
disappear.
The treatment of house timbers is usually a task for a
specialist firm. Where the attack has been so severe that the
strength of timbers is affected, replacement of parts may be
unavoidable. Floorboards, panelling, etc., may have to be removed
in order to treat the under surfaces and joists.
In confined areas such as roof spaces, attics or cellars, the
use of insecticide fumigation or smoke generators offer a means of
preventing re-infestation by killing the adult beetles. Consult a
specialist pest control company when dealing with any extensive
problem of this kind, especially where structural timbers may be
involved.