When we talk about woodworms, we are not referring to a specific insect, but rather to a group of insects such as woodworms and termites. This pest is often discovered too late, as these little bugs go unnoticed in the larval stage and, when they finally become adults, the damage has already been done.
Typically, woodworms are yellowish-white in color and have strong jaws that allow them to build tunnels and feed on starch and other components of the wood. The best way to identify a woodworm infestation is by the small holes they leave in furniture and antiques. In these holes, the females lay their eggs, which incubate for between 1 and 5 weeks.
Why does the woodworm appear?
There is no single cause for woodworms, but these insects tend to prefer damp environments. If you have old furniture in a damp area of your home, then woodworms are likely to pay you a visit. In addition to regular cleaning, it is a good idea to keep windows open whenever possible to reduce humidity in the space and let in natural light.
What are the signs of woodworm infestation?
Given that woodworms cause damage while still in their larval stage, it is very difficult to identify this pest in time. However, there are some signs that appear early on.
- A fine dust appears next to the furniture, released by drilling into the wood
- Small holes appear in the wood, which are very small at first, but gradually become larger.
- The holes become darker as the pest evolves.
In a more advanced stage of woodworm infestation, furniture produces a specific sound when you knock on it, reflecting the existence of a hollow space inside.
What are the most common woodworm species in Portugal?
- Small Madeira Weevil
- Large Madeira Weevil
- Exotic Madeira Weevil
- Wood weevil
- Furniture Woodworm
- Bamboo Weevil
- Wood-eating Weevils
- Blue Weevil
- Tree Borer
How to kill woodworm?
Woodworms are one of the most difficult pests to control . Therefore, prevention is essential to avoid future infestations and possible serious damage to the wood structure.
Using natural insecticides is one option that can be used to combat woodworm. Products such as boric acid or supermarket insecticides can act as traps for woodworms, making wood less attractive to this insect. However, these products damage furniture and have not been proven to be effective in controlling woodworm infestations.
Our advice is simple:
- Product for the curative and preventive treatment of woodworm to prevent the appearance of this pest
- Regular cleaning at home
- Store all food in glass or plastic containers.
- Clean kitchen furniture (inside and outside) with a vinegar and detergent solution.
- Always dry furniture with a cloth after cleaning it.
- Whenever possible, clean furniture with a dry cloth (in the case of bedrooms, where there is no grease accumulated on the surfaces).
These tips can minimize damage or prevent woodworm from appearing. However, for large woodworm infestations, our recommendation is simple: talk to a pest control company like Truly Nolen. The best way to control this pest is with professional help.
