A.
Because, over many years, it's tunnels can severely and rapidly weaken structural
beams, sometimes causing collapse. It is often found in timbers that are embedded
in walls at their bearing ends, because the insect always starts off in wet rot
in timber.
Note
- surface treatment alone does not work, because these insects rarely visit the
timber surfaces. Do not pay for surface treatment - Death Watch Beetle needs internal
treatment and an annual check-up, with possible re-treatment.
1.
Tap the beams with a hammer and listen for changes in note. Listen late at
night for 'tapping' sounds, when there are fewer background noises - the tapping
sounds are Death Watch beetle mating noises (perhaps they need longer beds?)
2.
Drill test suspicious areas with a wood Auger (fully flighted wood drill) to determine
the extent of the attack zone, using an 8mm diameter Auger. Examine the bore dust
for signs of beetle 'frass' - no sound wood fibres will be found in these parts,
just bore dust.
3.
For valuable beams consider using our Ultra Sound and Resistograph testing service.
Contact us for details or read our Timber
Repair Review. You can request Timber Repair Review, Parts 1 and 2, from us
by Post or E Mail, free of charge.
4.
Clean off all loose wood, surface 'frass' and tunnel material to reach sound timber.
5.
Remove any residual surface stain, paint, wax or varnish. No surface treatment,
no matter what chemical you use, will penetrate these wood finishes.
6.
Brush and vacuum clean.
7. Apply
Boron
Ecobor 20 Gel by brush, if the wood will not require a paint, stain
or varnish finish after treatment.
8. Apply
2 coats of Boron
Boracol 5RH in water by brush or spray, for wood that you wish to
paint, stain or varnish afterwards. Do not over treat, because you may
leave Boron crystals on the surface, which would stop paints and varnishes
from adhering properly.
9. Apply
Boron
Ecobor 40 Gel by injection, to damp areas, like those timber parts
embedded in the wall (bearing ends).
10. Apply
Lignum Pro Gel by injection, to dry areas, likely to be those parts
clear of the walls.
www.boron.org.uk
- how to use Boron based insecticides/fungicides to treat timber rots
and insect attack
www.dampness-info.co.uk
- how to treat penetrating dampness in walls and plaster
www.deck-treatment.co.uk
- how to treat patio decks and yacht decks
www.dryrot.biz
- how to kill Dry Rot in buildings
www.drywallandfloor.co.uk
- membranes for lining damp walls, floors, basements and cellars
www.epoxy-info.co.uk
- epoxy resins for repairing wood, concrete, brick and stone
www.fire-door-paint.co.uk
- upgrade doors to 30 minutes fire resistance
www.joist-repair.co.uk
- how to quickly repair joists and beams of any size
www.steel-fire-paint.co.uk
- treat steel with Intumescent Paint to provide fire protection
www.timber.org.uk
- systems of repair, with step by step methods
www.timber-repair.co.uk
- how to repair timber beams
www.woodworm-info.co.uk
- how to kill and prevent woodworm and death watch beetle