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Woodworm Treatment Costs - Scotland
Woodworm treatment costs will vary depending on various factors including the extent of damage, the type of property, if damp proofing is required and the type of woodworm species causing the damage. Because of this, it can be difficult to estimate an exact price without a professional surveyor investigating the full extent of the problem.
We have put together a guide to help you understand what might affect the price of woodworm treatments, which will help you decide your next steps.
If you are still unsure about what to do next, Wise Property Care can undertake an expert woodworm survey and provide you with recommendations.
We have a number of CSRT and CSTDB qualified surveyors, and we are Property Care Association (PCA) members.
Factors to Consider
The costs of treating woodworm will vary, making it difficult to confirm an exact price without first carrying out a professional woodworm survey. The most important thing is to deal with any woodworm problem as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.
Here are a number of considerations which will influence the cost of woodworm treatment:
Woodworm Survey Costs
The first step in order to confirm woodworm activity and any requirements for treatments is for a qualified professional to undertake a damp and timber survey.
They will provide you with a survey report with recommendations for any remedial treatments, based on their findings from the survey.
You may want to avoid companies that will give you a quote for woodworm over the phone or web. This is because it is impossible to fully understand the complexity and extent of the problem until it is fully investigated in person.
Contact us to book a survey with Wise Property Care.
Is the infestation Active?
Not all woodworm damage is caused by an active infestation, it can sometimes be caused by an historic infestation that has died out. Before any treatment is carried out you must first confirm that the infestation is active, and this can be done by checking for telltale signs, such as the presence of larval bore dust known as frass.
A qualified surveyor will fully inspect the woodworm damage, and confirm if it has been caused by an active infestation.
Type of Woodworm Species
Different species of woodworm will cause varying levels of damage to timber, and a trained professional will be able to identify the type of woodworm from their flightholes.
While 80% of all woodworm damage across Scotland is caused by Common furniture beetle, other species can cause significant damage, while some require damp and rotting timber, which needs to be addressed.
Localised or Extensive Treatments
A small isolated woodworm infestation in a loft or garage roof will be cheaper to treat than a more extensive woodworm infestation affecting a large room within a property, including damage to joists or floorboards.
If you notice woodworm damage to furniture or stored goods in the loft, you may be able to deal with this using DIY treatments.
Associated Damp Problems
Some types of woodworm thrive in damp and rotten timber, meaning you must find and resolve the damp problem causing the issue.
Damp problems in sub floor voids, bathrooms or lofts can often lead to woodworm infestations, which can severely damage timber over time. Solving the damp problem will prevent further damage, and more costly repairs in future, while helping the woodworm infestation to die out.
Age and Condition of Timbers
The cost of repairs to structural and decorative timber will vary depending on the condition of the timber.
If the woodworm infestation has been identified early enough, timber may not need to be replaced.
Heritage buildings with historic timbers may require more specialist repairs, such as timber resin splice. Any repairs must be sympathetic to the aesthetics to meet listed building consent.
This may mean any replacement timber may need to be specially sourced.
Timber Replacement
Costs involved with woodworm treatments will increase if structural and decorative timber is so severely damaged it needs to be replaced.
Where required Wise Property Care can carry out timber resin repairs in order to retain as much of the original timber as possible. This is a popular option for listed and heritage properties.
Accessibility
Hard to reach areas such as sub floor voids and roof spaces may be difficult to access, prolonging the time taken to carry out repairs.
Long Term Guarantees
Local tradesmen may be able to carry out woodworm treatments, but they will not provide a long term guarantee, meaning the infestation could return if treated incorrectly.
Wise Property Care offer a ‘real and meaningful’ 20 year guarantee so you know you are protected long term. We have provided thousands of woodworm guarantees over the decades we have been in the property preservation industry.
DIY Options
Woodworm can often be brought into a property hidden inside second hand furniture, antiques or transferred in stored goods when moving house.
If you find signs of a woodworm infestation affecting furniture, or in an isolated area, you may be able to treat the infestation through DIY methods. Products are available online or at hardware stores which can be directly applied.
However it must be noted that for structural timber such as floors, joists and roof timbers, you should seek professional advice.
DIY Risks and Misdiagnosis
There are various types of woodworm species which require different forms of treatment.
If the woodworm infestation is misdiagnosed, or the full extent is not fully identified, the problem could continue, further damaging timber inside your property. If the woodworm infestation is exacerbated by damp problems, these will also need to be identified and dealt with accordingly.
A professional damp and timber survey can provide you with a thorough understanding of the woodworm problem, and the requirements to prevent the infestation for good.
Is the problem woodworm?
Due to the popularity of open fires and log burners in homes across Scotland, many properties may notice the emergence of hundreds of insects in a short period of time, often found near windows as they are attracted to the light.
If this has happened inside your property, you may not require woodworm treatments, as the origin may be timber with bark attached. The insects will usually be Bark or Forest Longhorn beetles, of which there are many species. All that is required is to remove the infected logs outside, together with the beetles, as internal timbers are not at risk and few if any larvae will remain in the logs.
Professional Woodworm Surveys Across Scotland
If you require professional advice to confirm whether or not you have an active woodworm infestation in your property, please get in touch with Wise Property Care.
We have a number of branches with full coverage across Scotland, so if you are unsure about next steps, we have a qualified surveyor local to you, ready to provide expert advice and recommendations.
Woodworm Solutions Across Scotland
We have full coverage across Scotland, no matter where you are, we have local and qualified experts nearby to help with your woodworm problem.
Why Choose Wise Property Care?
If you are considering professional woodworm treatments, you want to use a company who will solve the full extent of the problem, leaving you with long term peace of mind.
- Wise Property Care have been fixing timber problems and building value back into Scottish properties since 1996.
- Wise Property Care have both CSRT (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments) and CSTDB (Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings) qualified surveyors - meaning no matter where you are in Scotland, we have a surveyor local to you.
- We have a proven track record working with homeowners, social housing and commercial clients across Scotland, ensuring full compliance with industry regulations and health and safety standards.
- We are proud members of the Property Care Association (PCA), the trade association that governs our industry. This means you can trust you’re getting professional and honest advice, and treatments following the industry best practice.
- Wise Property Care are endorsed by Which? Trusted Trader - meaning our customer service and workmanship has passed rigorous trading standards assessments.
- We are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 550 independent customer reviews from across our branches in Scotland.
