Woodworm treatment: House Longhorn Beetle

House Longhorn Beetle is a more rare woodworm infestation that can be found in the south-east of England, more specifically in the area round Camberley in Surrey. In fact it is sometimes known as the ‘Camberley Beetle’. The Latin name is Hylotrupes bajulus. Occasionally, house longhorn beetle damage has been found in London, and elsewhere in the country where infested packing cases have been transported. Local Building Regulations now require that new roof timbers are pre-treated so as to inhibit infestations from the House Longhorn beetle.

The woodworm can cause damage to structural roof timbers, and it infests seasoned or partly seasoned softwoods. House longhorn beetle usually damages sapwood but can also attack heartwood.

Adult House Longhorn beetles are up to 25mm in length. The beetles are black or brown and covered with greyish coloured hairs. There are two shiny black spots on the body, that look like eyes. The larvae mature in the spring.  The fleshy larvae are greyish white and can grow to 35mm when fully developed. These larvae do the most damage as they burrow through the wood, leaving oval holes 6~10mm in diameter. They leave bore dust or ‘frass’ that consists of sausage-shaped pellets that are cream-coloured, and gritty when rubbed between fingers. The mature House Longhorn beetles then eat their way out of the timber, again leaving holes 6~10mm in diameter.  The exit holes are much larger that than those left by the holes Common Furniture Beetle.

It is worthwhile consulting a woodworm specialist to diagnose the type of woodworm infestation and the appropriate treatment. Peter Cox Ltd will send an experienced surveyor to visit your property. They will describe the potential woodworm treatment costs and alternatives. A professional survey is needed to find the woodworm infestation areas.

The surveyor will identify which species are causing the damage, and also whether the beetles are still active. You can arrange a woodworm survey by entering your details into the form on the right.

Please contact us by completing our woodworm enquiry form or by telephone us on 0845 222 0404.