Common furniture beetle - commonly known as woodworm

Habitat:

Softwoods and European hardwoods. In solid timber only the sapwood is affected unless wood rot is present, when it may be found in heartwood as well. Very rare in tropical hardwoods. Frequent in older furniture and all constructional timbers, particularly around loft access, timbers in contact with solid walls, under stairs, in cupboards and other areas affected by damp. Attacks only old birch/beech/oak plywoods with animal based adhesive. Modern plywoods and all other panel products are immune, though they may be penetrated by emerging adults.

Damage characteristics:

Emergence holes are circular, 1-2 mm in diameter. Old, extinct damage is often accompanied by the fine pinholes of parasitic wasps.

Tunnels are circular, 1-2 mm in diameter, often extensive and of random orientation, but mainly in the direction of the grain. They are often exposed on the surface of floorboards by general wear.

Bore dust is cream coloured, with lemon-shaped pellets, gritty when rubbed between fingers.

Insect characteristics and location:

Adult 3-5 mm long, dull brown; lines of pits on wing covers; 180 degree angle between edge of hooded thorax and edge of wing covers. Found on and around damaged wood late March - early August, especially in warm weather. Attracted to windows and white surfaces.

Larva Up to 6 mm long, curved, pale cream coloured. Three pairs of legs, narrow dark band over mouth parts. Found all year round in infested timber. Often few in number, absent in extinct infestations.

Bore dust (x 10)

Chris Barratt treating an infestation of woodworm

Ceiling timbers with evidence of a
recent adult emergence of woodworm