Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)
In common with Woodworm, the first signs seen of this beetle are the holes in the surface of the timber. The holes are 3mm in diameter and, therefore, much larger than those of the Common Furniture Beetle (woodworm). Again, for every hole there is a tunnel and as this is a much larger grub, the damage to heartwood can be excessive.
This beetle prefers hard woods and can last within the timber for up to twelve years before metamorphosis takes place and the beetle emerges. The characteristic tapping sound which we hear, is the male beetle knocking its head against the wood to attract a mate.
Heavily infested timbers, although looking solid on the exterior, can be completely eaten away inside and can become structurally unsound. It may, therefore be necessary to carry out replacements of heavily infested timbers.
In some instances involving larger section timbers, resin repair works maybe required.
Death Watch Beetle bores deep into the timber and is notoriously difficult to completely eradicate in one treatment.
Solution!
Gullivers use a dual-purpose (insecticide/fungicide) gel, which is brushed onto the timbers and allowed to soak in over a period of time. Special treatment is given to the end grain, where possible, which is injected with gel by means of a caulking gun, or an organic solvent solution can be injected under pressure.
