Woodworm in Skirting Boards: Signs, Treatment & Replacement
Spot woodworm in skirting boards, decide whether to treat or replace them and learn why holes there can signal a bigger problem in the joists beneath.
Skirting boards are easy to check, and they often show the first signs of woodworm. Holes and dust at the base of a wall can point to a problem in the floor. This guide explains what to look for and what to do.
Signs in skirting boards
Check the face and the top edge of each board. Look for:
- Small round holes, usually 1 to 2mm wide
- Fine dust on the floor below
- Soft or crumbly wood at the edges
- Holes that reappear after you fill them
Fresh dust matters most. It means larvae are working, or adults have just left. The guide to signs of woodworm lists every clue.
Why it can signal a bigger problem
Skirting boards sit next to the floor. If the beetle is in the boards, it may be in the joists too. The reverse is true as well, because beetles can move between connected timber.
For that reason, lift a floorboard near the wall and check the joists with a torch. Our guide to woodworm in floorboards explains how.
Treat or replace?
Treat the board if it is sound. A sound board resists a probe, and the holes are shallow. Replace it if it crumbles, has deep tunnels or is badly damp.
Replacing skirting is often cheap, but it is not always needed. A surveyor can tell you which applies. DampHub estimates £200 to £500 for replacing a few skirting boards or minor joist sections.
How treatment works
A water-based spray on the back and the face of the board is usual. The team may remove the board to reach the back. They treat the wall plate and nearby joists too, because the beetle may be there.
Check for damp
Skirting boards soak up damp from walls. Look for stains, peeling paint and a musty smell. Damp wood invites beetle and rot, so fix the source first. Our page on dry rot and damp explains the next steps.
After treatment
Let the wood dry, then fill the holes and repaint. Paint seals the surface and makes egg laying harder. Check the boards each spring.
If the signs are widespread, a survey will show how far they go. You can also request a survey.
Where you live matters, because older streets hold more old timber. See our local guides for woodworm treatment in Birmingham and woodworm treatment in Glasgow.
To go deeper, read about the common furniture beetle and the boron paste treatment, because the right method depends on the beetle.