Woodworm Treatment in Chipping Ongar (10)

Concerned about woodworm in your property? For a commitment to quality and a job done right, search for woodworm treatment services in Chipping Ongar with Checkatrade.

What is woodworm and how to spot it

Woodworm is the common term for larvae of wood-boring beetles (notably the Common Furniture Beetle) that tunnel into timber, weakening its structure over time.

You may notice small round ‘exit holes’, fine sawdust (frass) around wood surfaces, or weakening of beams, floorboards, or furniture in infested areas.

It’s important to determine whether an infestation is active (ongoing) or historical before treating.

Woodworm treatment options and methods

Once woodworm is confirmed, a survey will guide you toward the appropriate treatment for your property. Common techniques include:

• Surface spray / insecticidal treatment (e.g., a boron agent): applied to affected timber surfaces to kill larvae and deter beetles
• Fogging / fumigation treatments: useful for severe or hidden infestations, treating enclosed spaces thoroughly
• High pressure injection or deep penetration treatments: used where beetles burrow deep and surface sprays can’t reach

In extreme cases, timber replacement might be necessary for badly damaged structural members.

How much does woodworm treatment cost?

Woodworm treatment costs vary widely based on property size, infestation severity, method, and region. As a guide:

• A property survey (to diagnose the problem) usually costs between £80–£250
• Full woodworm treatment averages between £500–£1,000 for mid-level infestations that require fogging or fumigation
• A Boron agent for treating woodworm tends to cost around £30 per 25 m²

How long does woodworm treatment last?

A properly applied treatment, combined with correcting moisture or dampness issues, can suppress infestation for many years.

In some cases, guarantees of 10–20 years or more are offered by pest control firms. However, if conditions remain unchanged, such as damp or poor ventilation, reinfestation may occur.

DIY vs professional woodworm treatment

For minor issues, some homeowners attempt DIY spray treatments for woodworm using boron or insecticides.

However, success depends on accessing all timber areas and ensuring thorough penetration.

Hiring a company specialising in woodworm treatment ensures:

• Accurate diagnosis and species identification
• Safe handling of chemicals and proper application
• Warranty, certification, and peace of mind

For serious infestations or structural timber, always consult a checked woodworm treatment service in your area.

Tips for hiring woodworm treatment services in your area

Before hiring woodworm treatment services near you, follow these steps to ensure you hire right:

• Read reviews on Checkatrade to see feedback from real customers
• Check what services are offered — survey, treatment, follow-up, warranty
• Compare at least three quotes to ensure you receive a fair and competitive rate

For tradespeople committed to quality and a job done right, search for woodworm treatment services in your area with Checkatrade.