Woodworking Plans Review

Woodworm is by far the most common wood pest. Some other pests need similar treatment, others require none at all.

Powder-post beetle
Use the procedure outlined for woodworm.

House longhorn beetle
This is a rare pest which can cause a lot of damage. Authorities are anxious to know of any outbreak, and if you suspect that you have one you should seek expert advice.

Death-watch beetle
This is rarely found in modern houses but it is a problem in churches where it is usually associated with fungal decay which may have caused structural damage to the roof. Eradication treatments are similar to those for woodworm, but as the insect often penetrates well into the wood it may be necessary to inject the insecticide more deeply. In roof spaces, regular use every summer, say of insecticidal smokes for several years should achieve effective control.

Bark borer
No treatment is required as this beetle cannot breed once infected bark edges have been removed.

Weevils
This pest is found only in limber which has already suffered wet rot. Replace the rotten wood with new treated timber to ensure no further attack.

Safety with chemicals
The fungicides, insecticides and wood preservatives used to treat rot and wood¬worm are potentially dangerous and, for safety’s sake, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. These are the main points:

• do not smoke or use naked flames near the chemicals or near treated areas until the fluid has slopped evaporating
• turn off all gas pilot lights during treat¬ment and do not light oil, gas or coal fires for at least 48 hours
• turn off electricity in the area being treated and cover rubber insulated cables and junction boxes
• wear the correct protective clothing -boots, PVC gloves, face mask and goggles
• keep chemicals away from children and keep pets (and plants) out of treated areas until evaporation is complete
• do not sleep in a room which has been treated for at least 48 hours
• ensure good ventilation both during and after treatment
• keep a fire extinguisher handy.

HOW URGENT IS REMEDIAL TREATMENT?

Woodworm
The damage caused by woodworm extends fairly slowly and the infestation spreads only when the beetles emerge in early summer. It is usually best to postpone remedial treatment until May or June, when the insects are likely to be nearer the surface of the timber than at other times of the year.

Dry rot
If active dry rot is discovered, take action quickly the fungus will continue to spread in all directions until its further growth is checked. If repairs cannot be put in hand immediately, open up and expose the fungus to the air so that the wood can begin to dry out and so check further growth.

Wet rot
Because wet rot does not spread as far nor as fast as dry rot, a few weeks’ delay in dealing with it may not matter much, especially if the wood is beginning to dry out. But it must be eradicated as soon as conveniently possible.

After you have figured out how to treat pests, you might want to learn how to work with chipboard and how to work with hardboard preventing them from pests.
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