A woodworm infestation is frustrating and worrying, but how did it get there? Your home might be clean and dry, you may even live in a brand new property. However, woodworm has the ability to infest many different types of wood.
Once woodworm attacks wood, they can remain there for many years. Eventually, the adult beetle will emerge in search of a mate. But how do they move around the home, and can woodworm be carried on clothes?
It’s completely possible for woodworm to be carried on clothes. As the beetle emerges from wood, they can fly and walk. As they move around in search of a mate, they can end up on clothing. They don’t travel long distances so might walk onto clothing nearby, or land on clothing around the home.
It’s also possible to pick woodworm up outdoors. As they will infest and attack external timber and trees, the beetle can find its way onto clothing should you get close to them. So, it is completely possible to carry woodworm on clothing and this is one way that they can spread.
More Common Ways Woodworm Move Around the Home
Woodworm might burrow their way into wood and stay there for many years, but how do they move around the home? Once they emerge as an adult beetle, the main way they move around is by using their legs. Just like any insect, they can move around freely, although they do only live for a matter of weeks.
Their main goal is to find a mate, following this, they will then look to lay their eggs. So, it is possible that they can move from one piece of furniture to another. They could even move to a different part of the home.
Woodworm beetles can also fly. But it’s not common to see them flying as they tend to focus on finding a mate, so woodworm don’t travel too far. The likes of the Wood Boring Weevil can fly, often looking for timber that suffers from damp and decay.
It’s also possible for homeowners to unknowingly move woodworm around the home. If woodworm attacks a piece of furniture or timber, it’s highly likely that you won’t know about it. So, if you choose to move that piece of furniture or timber to another part of the home, then you are encouraging them to spread. Once the beetle emerges, they can then go and infest another part of the home.
Spot Woodworm and Prevent Them From Spreading
One way to prevent woodworm from spreading is to spot infestations and deal with them. So, you might be wondering what signs to look out for when looking for woodworm?
Fresh exit holes are a clear sign that you have a woodworm infestation. The holes can be found all year round but mainly between May and October. This doesn’t mean that the infestation is still in the wood, as they could move to another part of the home.
When beetles emerge from wood, they also leave bore dust. This is dust that comes from them eating their way out of the timber. It’s fine and powdery but does indicate that woodworm could be present.
Another potential sign that woodworm is present is weak floor joists or floorboards. When woodworm attacks, the larvae will eat through the wood, eventually causing it to weaken and break.
Finally, you might even spot the beetles moving around. They are relatively small and difficult to spot, but if you do see them, you’ll know that you have an infestation.
If you spot any of these signs, you should look to treat the problem as soon as possible. There are DIY products available, or you could choose to call in professional help. Either way, if you ignore the problem, they’ll spread and cause further damage.
You can see our favourite DIY woodworm treatment by clicking here
Conclusion
Woodworm can move around in many ways. But it’s completely possible for them to attach to clothing. This means that they can move around the home or can even enter the home from outside.
This can be done unknowingly, which means that you could cause woodworm to spread. However, if you do spot signs of an infestation it’s crucial that you deal with the problem quickly.
