Woodworm Treatment Methods
Spray, paste, fumigation and repair each solve a different problem. Learn which one fits your timber.
- Compare four methods side by side
- See what decides the right choice
- Know what to ask before you agree
Four ways to deal with woodworm
Most homes need one or two of these. A survey decides which, because the beetle and the timber differ.
Insecticidal Spray Treatment
Water-based permethrin spray is the usual treatment for active furniture beetle. It suits timber you can reach, although it works near the surface.
Boron Gel & Paste Treatment
Boron paste and gel suit thick timber and damp joist ends. They spread through moisture, so they reach where spray cannot.
Fumigation & Whole-Property Treatment
Fogging and fumigation treat widespread or repeat infestations. They help where spray access is limited, although they cost more.
Structural Timber Repair & Replacement
When beetle damage has weakened a joist, rafter or beam, it can be spliced, resin-repaired or replaced. Treatment alone does not restore strength.
What decides the method
The species
Common furniture beetle in sound softwood is usually a spray job. Death watch beetle in old oak often needs paste and repair.
How active it is
Active beetle needs treating. Old, dead damage may need only monitoring, so honest identification matters.
Access to the timber
Open joists take spray well. Boxed-in or buried timber may need paste or, rarely, fogging.
Damp and decay
Damp can bring weevils and rot. Fix the water source first, or the problem returns.
Questions to ask any specialist
Ask which beetle they found and how they know it is active. Ask which method they plan to use and why. Then ask what the written quote covers, because scope and method differ between firms.
Compare at least two written quotes. Check what happens if beetle returns, and get any promise in writing. Our cost guide shows typical prices.
Treatment methods: your questions
Which woodworm treatment is best?
No single method is best. The right one depends on the species, how active it is and how easy the timber is to reach. Water-based spray suits most furniture beetle jobs, while boron paste suits thick or damp timber.
How does a surveyor choose?
They identify the beetle from the holes and dust, check whether it is active and see how much timber they can reach. They also look for damp. Read what a survey covers.
Can I treat woodworm myself?
For small items, shop products can help. Structural timber needs a professional survey first. Read DIY vs professional treatment.
Need help choosing a method?
Request a survey, because a surveyor can see the timber and the damp. A local specialist will call to arrange a visit.