The woodworm is a recycler. One will be able to find woodworms in mild zones across the world. These recyclers form tunnels through dry wood in the wild. As generations pass, with repeated tunneling, wood transforms from solid wood to sponge. The holes make by woodworm don't just weaken the wood, they also provide access for damaging bacteria and fungi. Eventually, the wood becomes nothing but nutrients for organisms. At the end, the wood decays and these worms simply travel somewhere else. Damage to furniture will not be noticeable until emergence holes start appearing on the surface.

Funnily enough, it is not the insect that does the damage. All they do is lay eggs. After some time, larvae emerge from the eggs and these feed on the wood. After this time, a beetle emerges from the hole, leaving behind a tiny hole. And then the cycle continues.

The best treatment to get rid of the furniture beetle is to use a water-based biostat. This is a woodworm treatment that does not affect other animals or insects. Apply the borate using a spray bottle or a brush. It is permanent and only needs to be applied once. Permethrin is also a solution, but it has a smell and vapor. Only wood boring insects are affected with this treatment for woodworm. Other affected areas, such as damp patches should be treated with a Boron Ultra-Gel. This reduces the risk of rotting and also provides extra protection. If you have fish, or any other pets, avoid Permethrin. Intead, use boron as this doesn't cause harm. Don't re-enter the room until an hour or so after the treatment has dried.

Next is the Longhorn Beetle. This is an insect that is found in roof timbers. It attacks softwoods such as sapwood. This weakens the structure. The holes that the Longhorn leaves behind are much larger than furniture beetles. A timber treatment professional and someone from the building research department should be called out if there is evidence of them.

The Deathwatch beetle can be found all across the UK. Northern zonesare less affected compared to other regions. You will be able to find the Deathwatch beetle in hardwoods such as Oak and Elm. The Deathwatch has an advantage. Because it attacks hardwoods, it also moves over to softwoods every now and again. This beetle likes damp wood, and is especially at home where there is rot and fungus. This beetle isn't as easy to treat as the furniture beetle. This could be because of their 10-year life cycle and also because they can damage large portions of wood at any one time.

Following the instructions, drill 10mm holes to about 15mm deep into the face of the wood. Inject Boron Ultra-gel into the holes, using the tube and the extension. Use a cap or dowel to plug the holes and then apply two coats to the affected surface areas using the same ultra gel. Spread the gel about 300mm thick onto the unspoiled timber. Inspect annually and reapply the woodworm treatment if needed.