Woodworm Furniture Treatment & Wood Boring Insect Removal
Woodworm destroys furniture from the inside. Tiny exit holes signal serious damage below. We specialize in eliminating active infestations, repairing structural damage, and preventing re-infestation. Save valuable furniture with professional treatment. Expert service across Langebaan, Saldanha Bay, Paternoster, and all West Coast areas.
Signs of Woodworm Infestation
Exit Holes
Small round holes (1-2mm) on wood surface - beetles emerging from wood
Critical UrgencyFrass (Wood Dust)
Fine sawdust-like powder around holes or beneath furniture
Critical UrgencyLive Beetles
Small brown beetles crawling on or near furniture, especially in spring
Critical UrgencyTunnels in Wood
Visible tunneling when wood is broken open or examined closely
High UrgencyWeak or Crumbly Wood
Wood that crumbles easily or feels soft when pressed
Critical UrgencyDamaged Wood Veneer
Veneer bubbling or separating from tunneling underneath
High UrgencyAdult Beetles Found Dead
Dead beetles on windowsills or around furniture
High UrgencyFresh Exit Holes
New holes with clean, light-colored edges (active infestation)
Critical UrgencyCommon Wood-Boring Pests
Common Furniture Beetle
- • Most common woodworm in South Africa
- • Attacks softwood and hardwood
- • 1-2mm exit holes
- • Larvae feed for 2-5 years before emerging
- • Prefers damp, unheated areas
Deathwatch Beetle
- • Attacks hardwoods (oak, mahogany)
- • Larger exit holes (3mm)
- • Causes severe structural damage
- • Found in old, damp wood
- • Named for ticking sound made by adults
Powderpost Beetle
- • Attacks hardwoods with large pores
- • Very fine powdery frass
- • 1-2mm holes, clustered appearance
- • Can re-infest same piece repeatedly
- • Reduces wood to powder internally
Lyctus Beetle
- • Attacks sapwood of hardwoods
- • Common in coastal areas
- • Fine powder frass like talc
- • Can complete lifecycle in 1 year
- • Multiple generations can inhabit same piece
Act Fast - Woodworm Spreads Quickly
Active woodworm can spread to other furniture and even building timbers. Females lay hundreds of eggs, creating rapid infestation growth. What damages one piece this year can destroy your entire collection next year. Professional treatment is essential.
Our Woodworm Treatment Process
Thorough Inspection
Identify pest species, assess infestation extent, determine if infestation is active. Check all furniture and nearby items.
⏱️ Timeframe: 1-2 hours
Isolation
Isolate infested furniture to prevent spread to other pieces. Prepare treatment area.
⏱️ Timeframe: 1 day
Professional Treatment Application
Apply professional-grade insecticide deep into wood. Multiple applications ensure complete penetration and larval death.
⏱️ Timeframe: 1-2 days
Fumigation (if severe)
For severe infestations: sealed fumigation treatment that penetrates entire piece. Guarantees elimination of all life stages.
⏱️ Timeframe: 3-7 days
Monitoring Period
Monitor for new exit holes or frass indicating surviving beetles. Re-treat if necessary.
⏱️ Timeframe: 2-3 months
Wood Repair & Restoration
Fill exit holes, repair damaged areas, restore structural integrity. Rebuild severely damaged sections.
⏱️ Timeframe: 1-3 weeks
Preventive Treatment
Apply long-lasting preventive treatment. Create barrier against future infestation.
⏱️ Timeframe: 1 day
Refinishing
Refinish furniture to restore appearance. Seal wood completely for added protection.
⏱️ Timeframe: 1-2 weeks
Total Treatment Time: 2-6 months (includes monitoring period)
Cost Range: R2,000 - R9,000
Preventing Woodworm Infestation
Preventive Treatment
- Treat new/old furniture preventively
- Apply wood preservatives
- Use insect-resistant finishes
- Regular preventive spraying in high-risk areas
Moisture Control
- Keep furniture dry (below 20% moisture)
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
- Ensure good ventilation
- Fix leaks immediately
Regular Inspection
- Check furniture quarterly
- Look for exit holes and frass
- Inspect especially in spring (beetle season)
- Professional inspection annually
Quarantine New Items
- Inspect all secondhand furniture
- Quarantine before bringing into home
- Treat antiques preventively
- Check for active infestation signs
Environmental Control
- Maintain temperatures below 18°C in storage
- Ensure dry, well-ventilated spaces
- Avoid damp basements for furniture
- Heat treatment kills all life stages
Early Detection
- Act on first signs immediately
- Don't wait for extensive damage
- Professional treatment is most effective
- Spread prevention to other furniture
Eliminate Woodworm and Save Your Furniture
Don't let woodworm destroy valuable furniture. Our professional treatment eliminates pests and restores wood integrity.
Get Free Woodworm AssessmentServing Langebaan, Saldanha Bay, Paternoster, Vredenburg & All West Coast Areas