When it comes to the health of your property, there are few threats more silent — yet potentially devastating — than woodworm and dry rot. These two issues often go unnoticed until the damage is already well underway. At London Damp Proofing, we understand how important it is to preserve the integrity of your home, which is why we offer expert treatments for both woodworm and dry rot across London and Essex.
With over 16 years of experience, we specialise in damp-related problems including rising damp, condensation, basement tanking, waterproofing, and timber infestations like woodworm and fungal decay such as dry rot. We’re Triton approved contractors, which means we use only the highest quality materials to ensure long-term protection.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between woodworm and dry rot, explain their signs, treatment options, and show you how to protect your home before the damage escalates. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or managing commercial premises, this guide is designed to arm you with knowledge — and a solution. Get in touch with us today for more information!
What is Woodworm?
Despite the name, woodworm isn’t a worm at all. It refers to the larval stage of various wood-boring beetles that lay their eggs in timber. Once hatched, the larvae tunnel through the wood, feeding on cellulose and leaving a network of damage behind. The life cycle can last anywhere from 1 to 14 years, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Common woodworm species in the UK include:
- Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) – the most widespread.
- Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum) – targets older, hardwood timbers.
- House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus) – particularly damaging to structural timbers.
- Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus brunneus) – mainly found in tropical hardwoods.
Woodworm prefers damp environments, which makes floorboards, roof timbers, joists, furniture, decorative woodwork, and crawl spaces ideal feeding grounds.
Signs of Woodworm
Early detection is crucial to stop an infestation before it spreads. Here’s what to look out for:
Tiny Exit Holes
One of the most common indicators of woodworm is the presence of small, round holes in wooden surfaces. These are typically around 1mm to 2mm in diameter and are created when the adult beetles exit the timber after completing their larval stage. These holes are often the first visual clue of an active or past infestation.
Fine, Powdery Dust (Frass)
Look for a fine dust known as frass near or beneath wooden items. This is the waste material left behind by larvae as they tunnel through the wood. Its presence usually indicates active woodworm and is a tell-tale sign that the insects are still feeding inside the timber.
Crumbly or Brittle Timber Edges
Edges of floorboards, beams, and furniture may appear crumbly, weak, or brittle due to long-term damage from tunnelling larvae. If you notice wood breaking away easily or losing its structural integrity, it may be the result of a prolonged infestation.
Tunnels Inside the Wood
If you can inspect a cross-section of the timber or if the surface has worn away, you may see narrow tunnels within the wood. These galleries are made by larvae as they burrow and feed. While not always visible without dismantling or cutting into the wood, they are strong evidence of internal damage.
Weak or Damaged Flooring and Joists
As the infestation progresses, the timber becomes structurally weakened. You may notice sagging or spongy floorboards, or joists that no longer support weight as they should. In severe cases, this can pose a serious risk to the safety of the structure.
Beetles or Larvae Present
During warmer months, you might see live adult beetles emerging from wood or resting near window sills. Spotting live larvae or beetles in or around wooden fixtures strongly suggests that an infestation is active and spreading.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your home, it’s important not to wait. Contact London Damp Proofing today for a FREE, no-obligation inspection and quote. With over 16 years of experience and a 30-year guarantee on all chemical treatments, we’ll make sure your home is protected for the long term.
What is Dry Rot?
Dry rot is one of the most dangerous forms of timber decay, caused by a fungus known as Serpula lacrymans. Unlike woodworm, dry rot doesn’t need direct contact with timber to spread. It can travel through plaster, brick, and masonry, silently weakening a structure over time.
Dry rot begins when airborne fungal spores settle on damp timber (usually with a moisture content of over 20%). These spores germinate into mycelium, which then spread across surfaces like a white, cotton-wool-like substance. Eventually, the fungus produces a sporophore (fruiting body) that releases thousands more spores — and the cycle continues.
Signs of Dry Rot
Dry rot is a serious threat to your home’s structural integrity, and it’s essential to catch it early. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Large Cuboidal Cracks in Timber
One of the most distinctive indicators of dry rot is the appearance of large, cube-like cracks in wooden surfaces. These cracks often resemble a chessboard pattern and suggest that the timber has lost its strength and flexibility due to fungal decay.
Shrinking or Warping Wood
Dry rot can cause timber to shrink, twist or warp, making it pull away from joints, walls or fixtures. This structural deformation is a sign that the fungus is breaking down the wood’s natural fibres from the inside out.
Brittle and Crumbly Timber
Affected timber becomes dry, crumbly and fragile to the touch. It may break apart with minimal pressure, losing its load-bearing capacity and making the area unsafe if not addressed promptly.
Musty or Damp Odour
Dry rot is often accompanied by a distinctive musty or fungal smell. If you’ve noticed an unusual damp odour, especially in areas like basements, under floorboards or behind skirting boards, it could be an early sign of fungal growth.
Darkened or Discoloured Wood
Timber that has turned darker or reddish-brown in tone may be infected with dry rot. This discolouration occurs as the fungus removes moisture and nutrients from the wood, altering its appearance and texture.
Fungal Mycelium Growth
You may notice grey or white fluffy strands spreading across timber, plaster, or brickwork. This is mycelium, a network of fungal threads that enables dry rot to move from one material to another, allowing it to spread rapidly through a building.
Fruiting Bodies (Sporophores)
In advanced cases, dry rot may produce fruiting bodies that look like mushrooms or rust-coloured cushions. These sporophores release millions of spores into the air, accelerating the spread of the fungus if left untreated.
Bouncy Floors or Loose Skirting Boards
If your floor feels spongy, springy or uneven underfoot, or if skirting boards are detaching from the wall, dry rot may be attacking the hidden timbers beneath. These are signs that the structural integrity has been compromised.
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Contact London Damp Proofing for a FREE, no-obligation inspection and quote. Our expert team will accurately diagnose the issue and provide safe, effective solutions to protect your property for years to come.
Woodworm vs Dry Rot: Understanding the Differences & Treatment Options
While both woodworm and dry rot can cause serious damage to timber, they are fundamentally different issues that require unique treatment approaches. Understanding how they differ is key to choosing the right solution for your property.
Cause
Woodworm is caused by the larvae of wood-boring beetles that tunnel through timber as they feed.
Dry rot, on the other hand, is the result of a fungal decay process, specifically from the fungus Serpula lacrymans, which feeds on damp wood and weakens its structure.
Visible Signs
Woodworm typically leaves tiny round holes in the wood, often surrounded by fine dust known as frass. You may also notice crumbly edges on beams or floorboards.
Dry rot produces more dramatic symptoms, including white or grey mycelium, fruiting bodies that resemble mushrooms, and brittle, cracked timber.
Spread
Woodworm activity is confined to the timber they infest.
Dry rot is more invasive and can spread across masonry, plaster, and timber, making it much harder to contain if not treated quickly.
Rate of Damage
Woodworm tends to cause damage gradually over time, sometimes taking years to become noticeable.
Dry rot, however, can spread rapidly, particularly in damp conditions, causing significant damage in a relatively short period.
Common Locations
Woodworm is often found in beams, floorboards, loft timbers, joists, and furniture — especially in humid or poorly ventilated areas.
Dry rot tends to develop in hidden or poorly ventilated spaces such as subfloors, basements, behind skirting boards, or within wall cavities.
Smell
Woodworm infestations typically have no distinct smell.
Dry rot often gives off a musty, damp, or fungal odour, which can be a useful clue even before visual signs appear.
Treatment
Woodworm is treated using insecticidal sprays or solutions, sometimes followed by timber replacement in severe cases.
Dry rot treatment involves identifying and removing the source of moisture, applying a specialist anti-fungal treatment, and replacing any affected timber.
Threat Level
Woodworm poses a moderate risk, depending on how long the infestation has been active and how widespread the damage is.
Dry rot is considered a high-level threat, as it compromises structural integrity and spreads quickly if left untreated.
If you’re unsure which of these issues is affecting your home, don’t leave it to chance. London Damp Proofing provides thorough inspections, expert identification, and tailored treatment plans. Get in touch today and take the first step toward protecting your property.
Treatment Options with London Damp Proofing
Woodworm Treatment
- Inspection – We assess all at-risk areas and identify the beetle species.
- Chemical Application – We use Triton-approved insecticidal sprays.
- Timber Replacement – Severely damaged wood is removed and replaced.
- 30-Year Guarantee – Our treatments come with long-term peace of mind.
Dry Rot Treatment
- Inspection & Moisture Testing – We locate the source of moisture and inspect all structural timbers.
- Fungal Eradication – We apply specialist anti-fungal solutions.
- Removal & Replacement – All affected materials are removed, and healthy timber is installed.
- Property Restoration – Your home is left clean, safe and free from decay.
Need help deciding what you’re dealing with? Don’t worry — that’s what we’re here for. Contact us for a FREE assessment.
In Conclusion: Safeguard Your Home, One Beam at a Time
Whether it’s woodworm silently eating away at your beams, or dry rot creeping through your subfloors, these threats are not to be underestimated. The good news is — you don’t have to face them alone.
At London Damp Proofing, we offer expert inspections, honest advice, and proven treatments tailored to your property. Backed by over 16 years of experience, Triton-approved treatments, and a 30-year guarantee on all woodworm services, your home is in safe hands.
Contact us today to protect your investment, your family, and your peace of mind.
FAQs
Can dry rot spread to other parts of my house?
Yes. Dry rot can spread beyond timber, travelling through masonry and plaster to reach new wood sources.
How do I know if I have woodworm or dry rot?
Woodworm usually leaves small holes and frass, while dry rot causes cracking timber and fungal growths. Call us for a professional diagnosis.
Are woodworm and dry rot common in London?
Yes, especially in older properties or homes with poor ventilation and high moisture levels.
How serious is dry rot?
Very. It compromises the structural integrity of timber and spreads quickly if untreated.
Can I treat woodworm myself?
DIY treatments are available, but professional treatments are more effective and often come with guarantees.
How much does it cost to treat woodworm or dry rot?
Costs vary based on the extent of the infestation. We offer FREE, no-obligation quotes tailored to your property.
Is dry rot covered by home insurance?
Some policies may include it, but many consider it a maintenance issue. Always check with your insurer.
How long does treatment take?
Most treatments are completed in a few days, depending on severity. We’ll provide a clear timeline after inspection.
Can woodworm or dry rot return after treatment?
If treated properly and moisture levels are controlled, recurrence is unlikely. Our treatments include long-term guarantees.
Call London Damp Proofing Today
Whether you’re dealing with tiny exit holes in your furniture or suspect there’s something more sinister behind your skirting boards, we’re here to help. Don’t wait until the damage is beyond repair. Contact London Damp Proofing to restore the strength and safety of your home.
