Timber Problems
An even greater range
of products is available to deal with the wide variety of problems posed
by timber which has already been attacked by fungal infections or by
insects. The steps involved in treatment are:-
- A survey of the premises to identify the fungus and/or insects causing the problem.
- Correcting the cause of the damage by preventing further moisture ingress. Dehumidifying, improving ventilation and removing damaged timber, etc. Chemicals are a useful weapon in a well planned campaign, but not a complete solution in themselves.
- Establishing whether chemical treatment is needed and selecting the safest and most effective products available.
The following shows the wood boring insects commonly found in North West France.
| Insect | Emergence holes |
Characteristics | Habitat |
Common Furniture Beetle (woodworm) Anoblum punctatum |
Circular 1 to 2 mm in diameter |
Adult: 3-5mm long. Found on and around damaged timber during late March to early August, particularly in warm weather. Attracted to windows and white surfaces. | Softwood and European hardwoods. Sapwood only affected unless damp is present when it may be found in heartwood also. Frequent in older furniture and all constructional timbers, particularly around loft access, timber in contact with solid walls, under stairs and in cupboards. |
Deathwatch Beetle Xestobium rufovillosum |
Circular 3 to 4 mm in diameter |
Adult: 6-9mm. Found on or beneath timbers in March to June, particularly in warm weather when they can be seen and heard tapping with their heads. | Sapwood and heartwood of hardwoods, chiefly oak. Often found in historic buildings where oak, elm and chestnut is used structurally. Found particularly in areas prone to dampness - wall plates, end of floor joists, lintels and other built-in timbers. |
House Longhorn Beetle Hylotrupes bajulus |
Few, large, oval and often ragged, 6-10mm in diameter. | Prefer seasoned softwoods, and particularly pine. Only the larvae feed on the wood and can take two of three years or more to mature. | Tunnels are extensive and join up to cause almost complete disintegration of sapwood but leaving thin, intact surface skin. Dust filled tunnels can cause blisters or corrugations on the surface wood. |
Merdian Bretagne can identify and solve any infestations in wood.
