 |
|
| Categories |
|
| Sound
Wood |
Insects
are a primary cause of serious damage in sound wood and
these require an insecticidal treatment. (e.g Common Furniture
Beetle) Some can cause structural damage (e.g.Deathwatch
beetle and House Longhorn beetle) |
| Wet
Wood |
Some insects are only able to feed on damp wood rotted
by fungi (e.g. Wood Boring Weevil) and these are prevented
by the control of wood rot.
|
| Superficial |
Other
insects attack green or partially dry timbers which may
be incorporated into buildings but these have generally
been killed by the drying process and normally treatment
is not required. Insects that normally feed on other materials,
only boring into wood to make short refuge tunnels, are
included in this category. Removal of the food source
will prevent further damage. |
| |
DEATHWATCH
BEETLE Latin name
Xestobium rufovillosum
Habitat
General Sapwood and heartwood of partially
decayed hardwoods, chiefly oak. Solid timber
Often found in historic buildings where large quantities
of oak or elm used structurally. Softwoods rarely
attacked except when in contact with infested hardwood.
Dampness essential for establishment and promoting
rapid development, although attack can continue,
albeit slowly, in drier timber. Found particularly
in areas prone to dampness -wall plates, ends of
floor joists, lintels and other built-in timbers.
Damage often extreme in concealed bearing ends of
timbers inserted into damp walls. In conjunction
with wood rot may hollow out centre of large-section
beams.
Damage characteristics Emergence holes
Circular, 3mm diameter. Tunnels Circular,
3mm diameter. Often extensive, random orientation,
mainly in direction of grain. |
|
|
|
|
