Wood Worm
Woodworm is the term used for the larvae of various wood-boring beetles that attack and weaken timber in homes. These pests can cause serious structural damage if left untreated. Some of the most commonly encountered species in the UK include the Common Furniture Beetle, Deathwatch Beetle, and House Longhorn Beetle—but infestations can vary depending on the property and timber type.
At Weather Wise Solutions, we provide expert identification, professional treatment, and long-term protection against all forms of woodworm to keep your home safe and sound.
Wet Rot
Wet rot is a common form of timber decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. It typically develops in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as basements, under floors, around leaking pipes, or behind skirting boards. When timber remains damp over time, fungal growth breaks down the wood’s structure—causing it to soften, darken, and eventually crumble.
While wet rot is generally localised, it can still cause serious damage to floorboards, joists, window frames, and other structural components if left untreated. Early intervention is key to preventing the spread and avoiding costly repairs.
At Weather Wise Solutions, we identify the source of moisture, treat the affected area with targeted fungicides, and repair or replace damaged timber—ensuring long-lasting protection.
Dry Rot
Dry rot, caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans, is one of the most destructive forms of timber decay in buildings. This aggressive fungus thrives in damp, poorly ventilated conditions and can spread rapidly through timber, brick, and plaster.
Unlike wet rot, dry rot does not need constant moisture to spread—once established, it draws moisture from surrounding materials, allowing it to travel across large areas undetected. It feeds on the cellulose in wood, causing it to shrink, crack, and lose structural integrity.
Signs of dry rot include:
damp, musty smell (similar to mushrooms) in timber or cotton wool-like fungal growth
At Weather Wise Solutions, we specialise in identifying and treating Serpula lacrymans outbreaks using proven techniques. We remove infected material, treat surrounding areas, and take preventative steps to protect your home from future outbreaks
Insurance Backed Guarantees
As proud members of the Damp Proofing Association, Weather Wise Solutions Limited now offers GPI-backed guarantees on our damp proofing services. These insurance-backed guarantees provide our customers with added peace of mind, ensuring that all work carried out by our expert team is protected for years to come.
Rot and Wood Worm with Weather Wise
Rot and Woodworm Treatment Services
Timber is a vital part of your property’s structure—but when it’s exposed to moisture or insect infestation, serious damage can occur. Rot and woodworm are two of the most common causes of timber decay in UK homes, particularly in older properties or those affected by damp.
At Weather Wise Solutions, we understand how crucial healthy timber is to the safety and longevity of your home. Our expertise in identifying and treating both fungal decay and wood-boring insect activity ensures your property remains strong, safe, and free from hidden damage.
Here’s how we can help:
Understanding Rot and Woodworm
What is Wet Rot?
Wet rot is caused by fungal growth in timber with consistently high moisture content—often due to leaking pipes, rising damp, or poor ventilation. It weakens the structure of the wood, causing it to soften, darken, and eventually crumble.
What is Dry Rot?
Dry rot is a serious form of timber decay caused by a fungus (Serpula lacrymans) that thrives in damp, poorly ventilated environments. Unlike wet rot, dry rot can spread quickly through timber, brickwork, and plaster, even after the original moisture source has been removed.
It breaks down the structure of the wood, leaving it brittle, cracked, and weak—often with a distinctive musty smell, cuboidal cracking, or orange spore dust. If left untreated, dry rot can cause significant structural damage and spread extensively throughout a property.
What is Woodworm?
Woodworm is a general term for the larvae of wood-boring beetles, which feed on the timber inside your home. The infestation often goes unnoticed until the wood becomes weakened, and small exit holes, powdery frass, or even structural issues begin to appear.
What Causes Timber Infestation and Decay?
Several factors can lead to wet rot and woodworm:
✅Persistent moisture creates the perfect environment for fungi and beetles.
✅Enclosed or unventilated areas trap moisture, encouraging timber decay.
✅Rising damp or condensation problems often lead to secondary timber issues.
✅Older timbers are more susceptible to fungal and insect attacks.
Our Solution
Weather Wise Solutions takes a structured approach to tackling timber decay and infestation:
Free Survey
We carry out a detailed, no-obligation assessment of your property to identify the presence and cause of wet rot or woodworm.
Accurate Diagnosis
Using expert knowledge and specialist tools, we assess the extent of timber damage and confirm whether fungal decay or insect activity is present.
Tailored Treatment Plan
Based on our findings, we create a customised treatment plan which may include:
fungicidal treatment for rot, professional-grade insecticides for woodworm to prevent future issues, if structural integrity is affected
Professional Repairs
All treatment and repair works are carried out by our experienced team using high-quality materials and proven techniques.
Clean and Respectful Service
We always work with care, ensuring your home is left clean, tidy, and protected from further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell the difference between wet rot and dry rot?
How can I tell the difference between wet rot and dry rot?
Wet rot usually stays localised to the damp area and causes the wood to feel soft, spongy, or crumbly. You may notice a musty smell and discolouration of the timber. Dry rot, on the other hand, spreads quickly and can travel through walls and plaster. It causes cuboidal cracking, orange spore dust, and can affect large areas if left untreated.
Is woodworm still active if I only see the holes?
Is woodworm still active if I only see the holes?
Not always. The small round holes you see are the exit points of the wood-boring beetles, but they don’t always indicate an active infestation. However, fresh frass (powdery dust) near the holes, weakened timber, or live beetles during spring and summer can point to ongoing activity. A professional survey can confirm if treatment is needed.
Can I treat wet rot or woodworm myself?
Can I treat wet rot or woodworm myself?
While DIY products exist, they often only treat the surface and don’t deal with the full extent of the problem. Professional treatments are designed to penetrate deeper, target the root of the issue, and prevent recurrence. It’s also important to address any underlying moisture problems to stop the issue from returning.
Will you need to remove all the affected timber?
Will you need to remove all the affected timber?
Not always. We only remove or replace timber when it’s structurally unsound. In many cases, we can treat the affected wood with professional-grade fungicides or insecticides and preserve the remaining structure. Any repairs are carried out with care and matched to your property’s finish.
What To Expect From Our Free Damp Survey?
Our damp surveyors are highly trained and use an array of digital instruments to help them come to the correct conclusion. They will then explain the problem to you, talk about any dangers that your problem could cause you, and fully explain a solution. We offer valuable insights into the causes, consequences, and remedies related to damp and mould. We do this by offering a free damp survey to all UK property owners. If you’re in need of a damp proofing specialist, our team is ready to assist.
Some of the solutions that we use will even save you money in energy bills, so much so that HMRC has reduced the VAT rate.
We offer a FREE home assessment for all property owners. Book a Free Survey below or call us on 01782 901101