Death Watch Beetle

^{Xestobium rufovillosum}

^{DEATH WATCH BEETLE}^.^{DWB can only
thrive in timbers which are damp and usually the larvae feed on timbers which
are affected by wet rot or dry rot. The most difficult problem is to determine
whether the large holes left in the timber indicate active or dead DWB.
Death Watch Beetle in old oak beams often disappeared as the timber seasoned
therefore infestation will only begin again if the damp}^{levels were
to increase.}

^{EVIDENCE OF ACTIVITY.}

^T^{he
sound of ticking at night in summer – once heard never forgotten -
is a sure sign of activity}^.

^{Fresh granules
or dust indicates activity as a mature beetle has recently emerged to
lay eggs.}

^{The dead bodies of mature
beetles, 6 - 9mm long and chocolate brown, from March to June –
indicate breeding}^infestation.

^{Random 3 mm diameter holes in
hardwood.}

^{Loss of structural stability
in timber - it crumbles and falls apart !}

^{NB.
DWB larvae can live up to 7 years in timber before maturing
into the beetle stage - all this time they are eating timber.}

^{Damp conditions in the large
sectional timbers, where they meet the walls, may encourage infestation}

Send mail to slinleyshaw@dampco.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.