The larval stage of any type of boring beetle is known as woodworm. These worms do not leave much of a mark when they bore into the wood at this stage. However, once they grow into adults they will then exit the wood leaving unsightly holes in their wake. Typically, these worms will attack wood that has been untreated, and, if left to their own devices, they can reduce perfectly good wood down to sawdust. 

Not only do the woodworms create unattractive holes, but they also pose a risk to the structural viability of the wood furniture itself. Once you discover that your wood furniture has wormholes, you need to ensure you treat it as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. The treatment acts to preserve the wood as well as kill any eggs that may still be lingering inside it. Here are some handy tips to dealing with woodworm in your wood furniture.

  • Locate the infestation. This can be done by identifying the exit holes. You should then proceed to block these holes with either emulsion of masking tape. Another way of detecting a woodworm infestation would be the presence of frass. This is a whitish dust like substance typically found beneath your wood furniture. Frass is excreted by the woodworm as they eat through your wood furniture. 
  • Apply insecticide on the wood furniture. Ensure that it is residual insecticide so that it can linger on the wood.
  • Get a boron-based gel. Apply this gel to a paintbrush and apply thin coats on the wormholes. If there is any excess gel, you can take it off using a rag. If you plan on painting or varnishing some surfaces of the wood, ensure the gel does not come in contact with them.
  • Shake the aerosol can of the treatment and direct the nozzle into the wormholes. Spray the holes.
  • Lastly, get some wax and apply it over the wormholes. Ensure the wax is spread evenly so that it can seal any smaller holes that you may have missed.

It should be noted that as soon as you detect a woodworm infestation, it is best to try to eliminate it as soon as you can. This is because these pests can bore into other wooden structures in and around your home, as they are not limited to infesting furniture. 

For assistance, talk to a pest control professional in your area.

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