WOODWORM-WOOD BORING INSECTS
SURVEYS
Are you a property owner or potential buyer concerned about wood-boring insect issues within the building? It’s time to enlist the help of AMS SURVEYS. We offer comprehensive independent damp and timber surveys across Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester and the surrounding area to gather the facts and give you the knowledge you need to resolve your wood-boring insect problems.
WORDS FROM OUR HAPPY CLIENTS
CAN I LIVE IN A HOUSE WITH WOODWORM ?
Woodworm are not directly dangerous to humans and most people can live safely in a house in the short term however if left untreated it can lead to significant damage to structural timbers. If you suspect you have a woodworm problem in your property then we absolutely recommend getting it professionally examined before any danger arises.
Consider the timber frames in your house such as your joists, windowsills, lintels, rafters, load-bearing beams and floorboards. These can all be severely damaged by a long-term woodworm infestation and in exceptional circumstances lead to structural failure and costly repairs or even in the worst case scenario a risk to health and safety.
If you are buying a property with a known history of woodworm infestation you should make sure you know about any woodworm treatment that has taken place, whether the treatment was done by an accredited professional and if the woodworm treatment carried a woodworm guarantee.
IS WOODWORM CAUSE BY DAMP?
Yes, damp problems in your property will cause woodworm. An infestation will actively require damp conditions or rotten timber.
This is why woodworm infestations are often found in parts of the property that are susceptible to high humidity and damp problems such as attics and lofts, under floorboards, basements and crawl spaces. The types of ventilation problems that can lead to condensation and dry rot can also make a great breeding ground for these wood-boring pests.
That said, damp, humidity and poor ventilation are not the only causes of woodworm other factors such as introducing woodworm to your property in reclaimed timber or vintage/upcycled furniture can also lead to an active infestation, but generally, as long as the property is dry the infestation will die out.
HOW DO YOU GET RID OF WOODWORM?
The most effective way to treat woodworm is to ensure the timber is dry. So, you need to identify the cause of dampness, the type of woodboring insect, the size of the infestation and the amount of damage caused. In some cases, the timber can just be replaced, but the cause also needs to be resolved otherwise it will come back.
Replacing timbers is unlikely to be an option in a heritage house and many other properties many will suggest chemical treatment for the infestation because the work is guaranteed. However often expensive, it's bad for the living environment, unlikely to be 100% effective and the timber is still at risk of timber decay and rot therefore the the best long-term solution is to ensure the timber is dry.
SIGN OF WOODWORM
SIGN 1 - SMALL ROUND EXIT HOLES
Tiny holes, generally between one and three-millimetre diameter (depending on the size and type of the woodworm/beetle), in the timber, are perhaps the most obvious sign that you have a woodworm problem. These flight holes are created when the woodworm larvae pupate and hatch into adult beetles, boring their way to the surface of the timber to mate with other adult beetles and reproduce. Starting the whole woodworm life cycle all over again. However, it is worth noting that holes in wood are not always woodworm or a sign of an active infestation.
SIGN 2 - FRASS ( BORE DUST)
Frass is the term given to the small, fine and powdery dust that is often found near woodworm flight holes. This is actually the droppings that the larvae produce as they burrow and chew their way through your timber. If you see any emergence holes in your floorboards or other structural timber then be sure to look for evidence of larvae frass, because frass is a key sign that will let you know if the woodworm infestation is currently active.
SIGN 3 - TUNNELS IN THE WOOD
Tunnels left by woodworm beetles as they make their way through your timber are a clear sign of a woodworm problem, but they are, naturally, the least visible sign of woodworm and we certainly wouldn’t recommend breaking open timber to check. However, if you do notice tunnels in exposed parts of timber, we would recommend getting a professional opinion.
SIGN 4 - WEAK OR DAMAGED WOOD
Damaged timber is caused by exit holes and tunnels building up to the point where timber becomes structurally unstable. It is important though not to confuse woodworm damage with damage caused by dry rot or wet rot as these require their own unique and vastly different treatments.
REGULATED AND PARTNERED WITH
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What is a Level 3 Survey?A level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than than a Level 2 and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property.
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How much does a Level 3 survey cost UK?A Level 3 Home Survey, sometimes called a Building Survey, costs £800 on average, though it can be as cheap as £600 and as expensive as £1,200. A Building Survey is the most comprehensive of all the survey types.
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Is a RICS Level 3 worth it?Level 3 (Building or Structural Survey) This type of survey is more in-depth than a Level 2. It's also the best option for unusual or older properties, those that have undergone significant alterations. This type of RICS survey will cover: The property's overall condition in detail, including both major and minor defects.
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Does a level 3 survey check for damp?The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars and torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so. So yes, the property is checked for signs or evidence of damp, however this may recommend a Damp and Timber Survey whereby chemical testing and analysis may be required.
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How long does a Level 3 survey take to complete?The RICS Home Survey Level 3, also known as a full structural survey and previously as a RICS Building Survey, is the most thorough survey RICS offers. It can take around 2-4 at the property, maybe more depending on the size, type and condition for the surveyor to complete a Building Survey. It then takes several hours more to produce and write the report.
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Is a Level 3 survey structural?The RICS Home Survey Level 3 has often been previously referred to as a “full structural survey” or “building survey”. The report can be on an RICS Home Survey Level 3 template or can be to the surveyor's bespoke design. Level 3 reports are conducted by Building Surveyors. Whilst the structure is reported upon, it does not necessarily provide a detailed investigation of structural issues such as subsidence or cracking which usually requires intrusive investigation. In which case you may need a Structural Inspection.
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What areas does AMS SURVEYS cover?We cover: Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester and everywhere in between.
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What are the red flags on a house survey?Property surveyors can identify issues that may impact a buyer's decision to continue with the purchase. These red flags could include structural damage, unapproved extensions, damp or subsidence. Ultimately it depends on the cost of those repairs and whether you are able to negotiate the purchase price or willing to accept risk and the cost of those repairs.
