Woodworm and Timber Infestation Surveys in London and Surrey
Flight holes in a floorboard do not mean active woodworm. We establish whether an infestation is live, what species and conditions are involved, and whether treatment is actually needed.
Woodworm is the general term for the larvae of wood-boring beetles, most commonly the common furniture beetle in UK housing. Old flight holes are present in a very large proportion of pre-war London and Surrey homes, and most are historic and inactive. Treatment companies offering a free inspection have little incentive to tell you that. DML’s survey is paid and independent: we tell you whether the infestation is active, whether it is structurally significant, and what conditions are sustaining it, which is almost always damp.
What the survey covers
- Species indicators: hole size and shape, frass (bore dust) character and timber type, to distinguish common furniture beetle from deathwatch beetle, house longhorn or wood-boring weevil.
- Activity assessment: fresh frass, clean-edged holes, seasonal emergence evidence and, where useful, monitoring.
- Structural significance: probing of joists, rafters, wall plates and floorboards for strength loss.
- Moisture conditions: readings in and around affected timbers, because most infestations and all dry rot and wet rot depend on damp.
- Related defects: sub-floor ventilation, rising damp, penetrating damp and leaks feeding the timbers.
When treatment is and is not needed
Inactive historic woodworm needs no treatment. Active but superficial infestation in dry, sound timber may need localised treatment. Active infestation in damp timber needs the damp dealt with first or treatment is wasted. Structurally weakened timbers need replacement or strengthening, not spray. The report sets out which applies and gives a scope that our team or any contractor can price. We do not sell the treatment.
Lender and purchase reports
Where a valuer or surveyor has flagged timber infestation, our findings are presented in a damp and timber report suitable for forwarding to the lender. Tell us about any specific lender requirements when you book.
We investigate across Greater London and Surrey. See areas we cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if woodworm is active?
Fresh, pale bore dust around clean-edged holes, especially in spring and summer, suggests activity. Dark, dusty holes with no frass are usually historic. We assess rather than assume.
Does woodworm spread to furniture?
Common furniture beetle can affect furniture as well as structural timber. The survey covers the building timbers; we will note obvious risks to contents.
Is woodworm serious?
Common furniture beetle rarely causes structural failure in sound, dry timber. Deathwatch beetle in damp oak and house longhorn in softwood roofs can be serious. Identification matters.
Do you treat woodworm?
No. DML surveys and reports. Treatment or timber replacement is quoted separately by our team or your own contractor against our scope.
Do you provide guarantees?
Any guarantee is issued by the contractor carrying out the treatment. Our report is an independent assessment, which is what a lender or buyer actually needs.
Related services
Where we look
Wood-boring beetle prefers damp, sapwood-rich timber: joist ends and bearing ends in floor voids, purlins, rafters and other loft timber, staircases and old furniture. The report distinguishes active infestation from historic flight holes, identifies the moisture condition that allowed it, and sets out treatment and any timber repair. Where a rotten joist or heavily tunnelled beam raises a structural question, a structural engineer is recommended for the repair design. Treatment and repairs are quoted separately by our team or your contractor.
Find out if it is active
Independent woodworm and timber surveys across London and Surrey.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026. Independent investigation and written reports. Repairs are quoted separately.