Woodworm Surveys & Treatments
Found holes in timber, powdery dust or signs of beetles? We investigate whether woodworm is active, explain what needs doing and carry out appropriate treatment and timber repairs.
DampServe provides professional paid woodworm surveys, written timber reports and treatment services for homeowners, property buyers, sellers, landlords and commercial clients.
Not every exit hole means a live infestation. We assess the available evidence, timber condition and moisture risk before recommending treatment, monitoring or repair.
When remedial work is needed, our standard reports will normally include a quotation for suitable work. You can also request a report without a treatment quotation when booking, and there is no obligation to use us for repairs.
Do you need a woodworm survey or treatment?
These are some common reasons people contact us. We assess the issue rather than assuming that all old holes need chemical treatment.
Small holes in timber
Exit holes in floorboards, joists or roof timbers may be old. We investigate the evidence of activity and extent of damage.
Fresh frass or beetles
Powdery dust, emerging beetles and new holes can raise concerns about a current wood-boring insect problem.
Damaged or damp timber
Moisture problems, rot and ventilation can affect timber condition and the appropriate response.
Wet and dry rot advice →Surveyor noted woodworm
A HomeBuyer Report or lender may request specialist investigation before the purchase can progress.
Pre-purchase reports →
What is woodworm, and how do you identify it?
Woodworm is a general name for damage caused by the larvae of wood-boring beetles. Larvae feed within susceptible timber before adult beetles emerge, leaving holes that can remain visible for many years.
The presence of holes alone does not prove an active infestation. A survey considers any fresh frass, new holes, beetle evidence, timber type and condition, moisture levels and the location of the damage.
- Small exit holes and powdery frass
- Visible beetles, sometimes during the flight season
- Timber galleries, weakening or surface damage
- Dampness and poor ventilation that may increase risk
An inspection can distinguish likely historic evidence from signs that warrant monitoring, further investigation or treatment.
Ask about a woodworm inspection →Common wood-boring beetles in UK properties
Different insects affect different timbers and may require different treatment decisions. Species identification, where the evidence permits it, is an important part of the assessment.
- Common Furniture Beetle: frequently encountered in UK building timbers.
- Deathwatch Beetle: associated with certain older, damp hardwood structures.
- House Longhorn Beetle: has particular geographic and timber associations.
- Powderpost Beetles: associated with susceptible hardwoods.
Where species or activity cannot be established during a non-invasive survey, we explain the limitations and any need for monitoring, further inspection or specialist identification.
Explore our damp and timber surveys →
From woodworm inspection to treatment
We make the process clear, whether you need a written report for a purchase or have discovered damage in your own home.
Inspect the evidence
We examine accessible timbers, infestation indicators, timber damage, moisture and the surrounding conditions within the agreed survey scope.
Explain the findings
You receive a written report setting out the observations, likely significance, limitations and appropriate next steps.
Treat or repair if required
When suitable treatment or repair work is justified, we can provide a quotation. You are free to choose who undertakes the work.
Woodworm treatment and timber repairs when they are needed
Some infestations require targeted treatment. Others may be historic or better addressed through monitoring and improved moisture conditions. Damage may also require local timber repair or replacement.
DampServe carries out appropriate woodworm treatments and timber repair work, not just inspections. We recommend a method only after considering the type and extent of infestation, timber condition, moisture and access.
We charge for the professional survey. Where suitable remedial work is required, our standard report normally includes a quotation for the work, unless a report-only instruction was requested.
Possible recommendations
- No treatment where the evidence is historic
- Monitoring when activity remains uncertain
- Moisture control or ventilation improvements
- Targeted insect treatment where appropriate
- Local repair or replacement of damaged timbers
- Further access or specialist checks when needed
No obligation: you can use the report to obtain other quotations or instruct another contractor.
Woodworm surveys and reports for buyers and homeowners
The exact inspection and reporting scope depends on the property, access and your requirements.
What a woodworm report can include
- Property details, survey scope and limitations
- Inspection of accessible roof, floor and joinery timbers
- Observations of exit holes, frass and beetle evidence
- Assessment of likely active or historic evidence
- Comments on timber condition, dampness and decay
- Photographs and plain-English explanations
- Recommendations for monitoring, repair or treatment
- Quotation for suitable remedial work where necessary, unless report-only was requested
When people request a report
Woodworm inspections are often needed after a HomeBuyer Report, Building Survey or mortgage valuation raises timber concerns.
Homeowners, landlords and commercial clients may also need advice after discovering holes, beetles or damaged timbers.
For lender or solicitor instructions, please send the exact requested wording before booking. The receiving organisation decides whether a report meets its requirements.
Woodworm survey and treatment FAQs
Practical answers about woodworm, treatment, timber reports, costs and property purchases.
Does every woodworm problem need treatment?
No. Old exit holes are common and do not automatically show current infestation. We assess the evidence of activity, timber condition and moisture risk before recommending treatment, monitoring or no work.
How do you tell if woodworm is active?
Fresh frass, emerging beetles or newly formed exit holes may indicate activity, but appearance alone may not be conclusive. A specialist survey considers the available evidence, season, timber type and site conditions.
Can DampServe carry out woodworm treatment?
Yes. DampServe provides paid inspections and can also quote for and carry out appropriate woodworm treatments and related timber repairs where the survey findings justify them.
Can I treat woodworm myself?
Treatment of small accessible areas may sometimes be possible, but DIY work can miss hidden timber, moisture causes or structural damage. A specialist assessment is particularly useful if you are buying a property or the timbers are important to the structure.
Is woodworm a problem when buying a house?
Not always. Some damage is historic or limited. A survey can explain the significance, whether treatment or repair is necessary and any inspection limitations, so you can make a better-informed purchase decision.
How much does woodworm treatment cost?
The price depends on the area, access, species or suspected activity, timber condition, moisture problems and treatment method. We can provide a quotation for appropriate work following assessment.
Will my woodworm survey include a treatment quotation?
Our standard reports normally include a quotation for suitable remedial work when it is needed. You may request a written report without a DampServe treatment quotation when booking.
Can you provide a woodworm report for a mortgage lender?
We prepare specialist timber reports for property purchases and mortgage-related enquiries. Please provide any specific lender or surveyor requirements in advance; acceptance remains the decision of the requesting organisation.
Can you identify woodworm from photographs?
Photographs can help us understand the symptoms and the best next step, but they cannot reliably confirm infestation activity, extent or hidden timber condition. We may recommend an on-site survey.
Send us photographs of the timber
If you have noticed small holes, powdery dust, beetles or damaged floorboards, you're welcome to send clear photographs of the affected timber and surrounding area.
Pictures can help us understand your concern and discuss whether a paid woodworm survey is the appropriate next step. They are not a substitute for inspecting inaccessible timber or assessing activity in person.
Woodworm photo enquiries
Send photographs showing the holes, any dust, a wider view of the timber and the property's approximate location.
Woodworm surveys and treatments across our service areas
We undertake woodworm investigations and suitable remedial work across much of England and Wales. Availability can depend on the property and work involved.
Concerned about woodworm or damaged timber?
Tell us the property postcode, what you've found and whether it's for a home, sale or property purchase. We'll explain the appropriate next step and how to arrange a paid specialist inspection.