I’m a pest control expert – you could have slimy worms living in your furniture…here’s how to get rid of them

MANY Brits don’t realise their furniture could be plagued by disgusting worm infestations, but an expert has shared how to rid your home of these stubborn critters.

The spring and summer months are prime time for woodworm larvae to come crawling out of their nests as fully grown beetles.

urged people to be aware of the tell-tale signs your home may have an infestation.

With more Brits turning to upcycling pre-loved furniture amid the cost of living crisis, and £150billion flooding the second-hand market, their warning couldn’t come at a better time.

HOW TO SPOT AN INFESTATION

These gross critters are the larvae of woodboring beetles – pests that burrow into wood and wreak havoc to its structure over time.

They enjoy nothing more than munching through large wooden structures such as staircases, roof timbers and joists, but will also nest in furniture. 

Peter Cox pest control experts explained homeowners need to keep their eyes peeled for, “small round holes in timber around your home such as floorboards as they may indicate an active or inactive infestation.”

“This iswhen the beetles emerge from the timber in order to mate and lay more eggs,” they added.

Another sign you’re dealing with hidden bugs is droppings left behind – called frass.

“Frass can be likened to fine powdery dust and is often found near the emergence holes”, added Peter Cox specialists.

A dangerous side affect can be damaged timber in the property.

Look out for brittle timber that becomes structurally unstable due to the amount of exit holes and tunnels carved out by the critters.

The hardest indicator to spot, the company explained, are tunnels in the wood: “This is the least visible sign and is caused by the larvae as it burrows its way through the wood.”

HOW TO TACKLE AN INFESTATION

If you notice anything of this nature, or see a woodworm, Peter Cox say it is vital to act quickly.

“It is strongly advised that the affected furniture is removed from your home to help minimise, or stop any further issues”, experts warned.

“Failure to address the issue can allow woodworm to spread to other wooden furniture or structures in your home.

“This perpetuates the cycle of infestation and increases the risk of damage to other items.”

They also suggest getting rid of any moisture or humidity in the property.

“The more damp the wood becomes, the easier it will be for larvae to bore through and live in,” Peter Cox warned.

“Woodworm is less of an issue in wood with a moisture content less than 8-12 percent, making furniture stored in colder homes a breeding ground for woodworm with a typically moisture content of around 15 percent.”

Many DIY products can treat smaller infestations – but it is important to double check what solution you use.

Preservatives are now water-based which means vapour can get trapped under waxed or varnished items – this will turn wooden furniture darker.

PROFESSIONAL HELP

These pest control gurus explained there are services to turn to if a stubborn infestation has become overwhelming.

Peter Cox said: “Professionals use Controlled Atmosphere Technology (CAT), which is a safe and effective method to treat such items.

“This method uses inert gases in a controlled atmosphere that eliminates all life stages of the insect, including eggs and larvae, while leaving no harmful residues on the furniture.

“The treatment also penetrates fabrics, so upholstered furniture can be treated without having to remove the fabric.”

AFTERCARE

It’s important to protect your furniture after dealing with woodworm.

“When repairing antique furniture that has suffered woodworm damage, it is best to seek advice from restoration specialists”, added the experts.

This comes as fellow pest control experts share their top tips on how to rid your home of bug infestations.

Jonathan Nicholls at  explained several ways to banish ants this summer.

And, Jordan Foster of  has revealed seven ways to banish them without using pesticides, which can also ruin your plants.

Others have recommended using orange peel to ward off fruit flies, slugs and ants.

Another woman has shared her effective mosquito repellent recipe she uses to protect her extremely allergic child.

Plus, a gardening whizz who revealed the free way you can banish cockroaches before they even reach the house.