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Woodworm
There are four main types of woodworm in the UK, all of which have been spotted in Cornwall and if this is your first time learning about woodworm, you might be surprised to learn that they are all beetles. The reason for this is that “woodworm” is not actually a species in itself, but is instead the collective name used for the whole range of wood boring beetles.
The beetles do spend most of their life, up to about 6 years, in the larval stage eating through wood, whereas they only spend a few days or weeks as adult beetles. It’s not as misleading as it may first seem to call them woodworm therefore. However it does depend on the type of beetle that you are dealing with as to what the best woodworm treatment course will be.
Manifestation
Signs of woodworm usually consist of holes in the wooden item, with live infestations showing powder (faeces) around the holes. The size of the holes varies, but are typically 1mm to 1.5mm in diameter for the most common household species. Adult beetles emerged from the wood usually between May and October.
Typically the adult beetles lay eggs on, or just under the surface of, a wooden item. The resulting grubs then feed on the wooden item causing both structural and cosmetic damage, before pupating and hatching as beetles which then breed, lay eggs, and repeat the process causing further damage.
Dry Rot
Habitat Mostly softwoods.
General information Major building decay fungus often causing extensive damage. Brown rot which typically occurs on wood embedded in, or in contact with, wet brickwork. Sensitive to high temperatures (over 25 °C) and drying, and therefore rarely found on exposed timbers or in situations where fluctuating conditions are likely (eg well ventilated subfloors and roofing timbers). Able to grow through masonry, though cannot feed on these. Strands can transport moisture from damp areas, allowing spread of fungus to dry wood in unventilated conditions. Appearance of fruit-body may be first indication of outbreak.
Damage characteristics Decayed wood has dull brown colour, typically with deep cracks along and across grain. Light in weight and crumbles between fingers. No skin of sound wood.
Fungai characteristics
Mycelium Silky white sheets or cotton wool-like white cushions with patches of lemon yellow or lilac tinges where exposed to light. In less humid conditions, forms thin, felted grey skin. During active growth, advancing hyphal edge forms silky fringe. Tears in direction of growth.
Strands White to grey, branching, sometimes as thick as pencil. Brittle when dry. Fruit-body Usually at wood—wall joints; rare on exteriors of buildings. Tough,
fleshy, pancake or bracket shaped. Centre is yellow ochre when young, darkening to rusty red when mature owing to spore production. Covered with shallow pores or folds. Edges white or grey.
Spores Profuse and may settle as fine layer of reddish brown dust on horizontal surfaces.
