How to treat woodworm with beneficial insects

How to treat woodworm with beneficial insects?

We offer an innovative, eco-friendly solution using beneficial insects.

The common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) larvae, commonly known as woodworm, poses a significant threat to wooden structures, furniture, and artifacts. While effective, traditional chemical treatments often raise environmental and health concerns.

Vergo offers an innovative, eco-friendly solution using beneficial insects (parasitic wasps) to control these wood-boring pests effectively.

Biological Control with Beneficial Insects

Parasitic wasps (Spathius exarator), specifically from the family Pteromalidae, are natural predators of the larvae of wood-boring beetles.

These natural warriors are already indigenous in the UK have evolved to locate and parasitize the larvae of the common furniture beetle, providing a targeted and sustainable method of pest control.

Despite their name, these tiny insects are completely harmless to humans and pets. Measuring only about 2–3 millimetres in length, they are unobtrusive yet highly effective, making them an ideal eco-friendly solution for woodworm infestations.

How It Works

The life cycle of Spathius Exarator (Parasitic Wasp)

Benefits of Using Parasitic Wasps to Treat Woodworm

Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free: Offers a natural, non-invasive solution that eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, preserving the integrity of the infested item or building structure while safeguarding the environment and human health.
Flexible Treatment: Parasitic wasps can be introduced directly to the infested object, eliminating the need for relocation and allowing treatment to occur on-site with minimal disruption.
Targeted Control: Specifically targets woodworm, minimising the impact on non-target species.
Safe: Harmless to humans and pets, making it suitable for use in homes, museums, historic buildings, and other sensitive environments.
Sustainable: Provides long-term control by establishing a self-sustaining population of parasitic wasps.
Economic: Avoids the need for disruption, closure or vacating property during treatment.

Application Areas

Religious Buildings: Ideal for churches, cathedrals, and other historic structures.
Heritage and Conservation: Ideal for historic buildings, museum pieces and artifacts where chemical treatments could cause damage or alter authenticity.
Furniture and Antiques: Preserves valuable antique furniture and wooden artifacts by preventing woodworm damage without causing any adverse effects on the items.
Forestry and Timber: Ensures the health of harvested timber and wooden products by controlling wood-boring beetle populations.

Non-Toxic Woodworm Treatment FAQ's

How can you verify that an area of infested wood is completely free from woodworm following treatment with parasitic wasps?

Our trained specialists carefully analyse the infested area, focusing on infested areas. Following the application of parasitic wasps, the area is regularly monitored. We analyse the data collected ensuring our treatment is tailored to individual setting/requirements.
How long will it take to get rid of woodworm using parasitic wasps?

The duration of treatment with parasitic wasps varies depending on the size of the area or object and the severity of the infestation. As a non-toxic, long-term natural solution, it works by gradually reducing woodworm populations over time. Effective treatment requires ongoing monitoring and periodic application of the wasps to ensure thorough coverage of each infested area.

Over 45 Years Experience

Vergo Pest Management Ltd has over 45 years industry experience, offering both commercial and residential customers fast and effective pest control services banishing public health pests.

Delivering a Quality Service

Our mission is to deliver pest-free, safe and clean environments for customers on a consistent and quality basis.

Fully Trained Professionals

Vergo technicians are fully trained pest professionals, experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with all manner of public health pests.

Safe & Certified

Safety first, is always our motto at Vergo and we hold various safety accreditations to support this. Vergo are proud members of The British Pest Control Association.

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Non-Toxic Woodworm Treatment