Woodworms Control

The woodworm is a destructive household pest that feels most at home in damp wood, where they can survive for many years. They typically cause damage to wooden structures, old wooden furniture, or moist wood in unfinished areas like attics, garages, and basements. Use this guide to learn about woodworms and how to remedy a woodworm infestation.

Common Types of Woodworms Found in Kenya
Several species of woodworm can be behind infestations in Kenya. It is important to identify the species correctly as different species require different treatments to successfully eradicate the problem.

This is why expert treatment is always essential when dealing with a woodworm infestation. Here are some of the most common types of woodworm found in Kenya,

Common Furniture Beetle: This is the most prevalent type of wood-boring beetle found in Kenya. It isn’t fussy about the type of wood it attacks and is responsible for infestations in hard and soft woods, furnishings, and structural timber.
Deathwatch Beetle: This beetle mostly attacks hardwoods such as ash and oak. It is often found in older buildings, including homes and churches
House Longhorn Beetle: This is another beetle that is common in older houses and buildings. It has a preference for softer woods such as pine and spruce.
Powderpost Beetle: This is another beetle that prefers hardwoods. It is the culprit in infestations that affect antique furniture.

Our expert technicians understand the importance of identifying the type of beetle causing a woodworm infestation. Call us today for a prompt, efficient, and discrete solution to your woodworm problem.

Our Approach
Do you need expert advice on the most suitable woodworm treatment method? Do not hesitate to contact us for a free inspection!
Situation Assessment
We prefer personal contact to get a clear picture of the woodworm issue in your home or business. Call us or fill out the form, and we will call you!

Inspection & Advice
Following initial contact, we conduct a free on-site inspection. A tailored report provides advice on one of the recommended woodworm control techniques.

Treatment & Aftercare
For the final treatment, we use one of the recommended techniques. Whether impregnation, injection, or fumigation, EWS ensures a proper solution and successful woodworm control.

Woodworm Solutions for Domestic and Commercial Properties
Whether you have a woodworm problem at home or at work, we are here to help. Woodworms can strike any type or age of property and, left to their own devices, can quickly cause untold amounts of damage.

At Jopestkil, we can help no matter what the circumstances. So, whether you are looking to protect your home or business from a woodworm attack, we have the perfect woodworm treatment solution to your problem.

Both our domestic and commercial woodworm services include the following services:

Qualified and Highly Trained Technicians: All our work is carried out by fully qualified technicians.

Latest Generation of Treatments: We use the latest technologies and treatments to successfully eradicate any trace of woodworm.

Customer Service: Our business philosophy is based on a customer-first approach. We work with you every step of the way to find a solution that exactly fits your needs and timescale.

100% Guaranteed Solution: All our work is covered by our guarantee that we will eradicate your pest problem.

Call us today for a fast and efficient response to your woodworm problem.

What is a woodworm?
Woodworms are actually the larvae of Anobium punctatum, or common furniture beetles. These woodworm larvae hatch from eggs laid on wooden surfaces and quickly burrow into their wooden home. Depending on the conditions of their environment, these wood-eating worms can take anywhere from one to eight years to fully develop into their adult beetle stage.

Woodworm larvae eating wood

What do woodworms look like?
The wood-boring beetle larvae are typically unnoticeable by the naked eye. They’re cream-colored and have a distinct C-shape. As they feed on wood, they produce a network of tunnels packed with bore dust. Once grown to their full size, they pupate for six to eight weeks.

The adult beetles feature anywhere from 0.10 to 0.18 inches and are a dull reddish to dark brown. They have fine grooves running lengthways along their wing cases and antennae shorter than their legs. The adult beetles don’t feed. They emerge in early summer and live for about two to four weeks, with the females laying anywhere from 20 to 100 eggs, which will hatch in around four weeks.

Are woodworms harmful to humans?
Thankfully, woodworms are not directly harmful to humans. However, some parasites have been linked to woodworms that can harm humans, including Scleroderma Domesticum, a cuckoo wasp species. A female Scleroderma Domesticum can sting humans who come into close contact with affected lumber. A sting from a cuckoo wasp will typically cause red swelling and a minor rash that goes away on its own over a few days.

What are the signs of woodworms?
The most common sign of these larval worms is the telltale exit holes they create when they emerge as adults. Check any wood source in your home, including furniture, decor, and walls and floors. If you see small, rounded holes dotting the surface, you’ve likely got a woodworm problem.

If you’re concerned that the lumber you’re using is infected, cut a piece in half and look for tunneling. The tunnels will look like small, rounded lines weaving through the wood. You may also come across frass or larvae waste. It looks like fine, powdery dust that ranges from rust-colored to pure white. You often find frass on the floor or behind the infected wooden furniture.

Signs of woodworm damage to a bed leg

How do I get rid of woodworms?
The best way to avoid a problem is to focus on woodworm prevention and ensure you don’t bring already-infested pieces into your home. To prevent woodworm from causing damage to your wooden furniture pieces, check any vintage or thrift pieces you purchase for boreholes before bringing them into your home. Woodworms in old furniture are common and, because of their extended maturing period, they can be present in pieces for years before emerging and reproducing.

Can I treat woodworms myself?
Removing woodworms is challenging because they bore deeply into wooden structures and aren’t visible to the naked eye. If you notice your wooden furniture or wood structures have boreholes, your best bet for woodworm treatment is to contact a professional pest control service.

How long does it take to get rid of woodworms?
Depending on the services you get and how bad your infestation is, woodworm treatment can vary from one day to one week. Woodworm treatment for furniture is typically faster than dealing with woodworm in your home’s roof timbers, built-in structures, or structural support systems. If the damage is extensive, repairs and replacements may take much longer.

How long does it take to control woodworm?
The duration of woodworm control depends on the size of the infestation and the treatment method used. On average, a treatment takes between 1 and 2 hours. In more severe cases, a follow-up treatment may be necessary. Our professionals aim to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What does the professional do during woodworm control?
A Jopestkil expert performs the following steps: inspects the property to locate the source and extent of the infestation, creates a targeted treatment plan, applies effective methods such as injections or sprays, and provides aftercare advice to prevent future infestations.
How do I know I have a good and reliable handyman?
At Jopestkil, all professionals are carefully screened for experience and reliability. Customers rate our pest controllers an average of 4.9 out of 5. You can view reviews and ratings from previous clients before booking, ensuring you get quality and professional service.

What are the first signs that woodworm is causing damage?
Early signs are subtle: small holes in floorboards, light bore dust on the ground, warped skirting boards or hollow-sounding beams. As the infestation progresses, wood softens, cracks appear, and steps or floorboards can lose strength. Loose wood fibers and irregular warping of paint or varnish are classic indicators. Since woodworm works from the inside out, real damage often only becomes visible later. Any early indication is enough to schedule a professional inspection—the sooner you act, the lower the risk of structural damage.
How do I know if woodworm is dangerous for structural stability?
Woodworm can seriously compromise a building’s stability if load-bearing beams, roof structures, or beam ends are infested for long periods. Tunnels gnawed by larvae weaken the wood and reduce its load-bearing capacity. Typical risks include sagging floors, unstable stairs, and weakened roof structures. In some cases, beam ends can lose more than half their strength. Protector assesses not only woodworm activity but also the real structural impact through depth measurements and visual analysis, giving you immediate clarity on safety and required repairs.

What happens during a professional inspection by Protector?
During an inspection, a specialist examines all wooden elements: roof structures, floor beams, stairs, beam ends, and hard-to-reach zones. We analyze bore dust, hole patterns, tunnel structure, and wood strength. Using depth measurements and species identification, we determine whether the infestation is active and which beetle species is responsible. A clear risk analysis and overview of necessary treatments or repairs follow. Inspections typically take 60–90 minutes depending on accessibility, providing you with rapid clarity and precise steps to stop further damage.

How much does a woodworm treatment cost and when do I get a quote?
The cost of a woodworm treatment mainly depends on the type of infestation and the size of the area to be treated. Since every home and infestation is different, Protector does not work with standard prices. During the inspection, we identify the beetle species, assess the extent of the damage, and determine the areas to be treated. You then receive a transparent, customized quote so you know exactly what costs are involved and which solutions are most effective for your situation. There are no surprises, and you clearly understand the steps needed to protect your home.