As the quality of timber used in buildings declined (from solid oak heartwood in the 17th Century to fast growing pine sapwood today) the incidence of Woodworm in buildings increased.

The term Woodworm is given to one beetle - Anobium punctatum. Its presence has decreased in modern, centrally-heated buildings but ground floor voids and roof spaces continue to be poorly ventilated and unheated, providing ideal conditions for the beetle to multiply.

Anobium punctatum.

• If upon inspection an infestation is confirmed to be active, the timbers (if structurally sound) would be sprayed with a water based fluid with the minimum level of disturbance.

Case studies

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