In Northern Ireland the Common Furniture Beetle is the most prevalent species that attacks seasoned timber. Adult beetles lay their eggs in seasoned timber and these hatch after 3-4 weeks. The resulting grubs burrow into the timber for anything between 3 to 5 years and the resulting adult beetles eventually emerge during the months of April/September through the characteristic small circular bore holes
When an infestation has been identified it is essential to determine if the insects are active. If the infestation is old and there is no structural damage no treatment is required.
It the infestation is active treatment is carried out using a microemulsion insecticide fluid. The most common areas treated are roof and floor timbers. In cases where structural damage has been caused localised repairs are carried out. In severe cases where widespread structural damage has occurred we would recommend that a structural engineer is engaged and his recommendations acted upon.
Insecticide Concentrate Fluid: The insecticide fluid used is a third generation Bicontinuous microemulsion formulated for the eradication of common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) and other wood boring insects.
Dry Rot is caused by a fungus called Serpula lacrymans and the first sign of its presence may be the collapse of a portion of apparently sound timber. Dry Rot most often occurs in damp timber which is in contact with, or embedded in, wet brickwork or masonry. The fungus is very sensitive to temperatures of over 25 degrees centigrade especially in drying conditions. Exposed timbers and timbers where there is good ventilation are rarely affected.
Upon identification of an outbreak of Dry Rot the first step is to find and eliminate the source of the dampness. The fungus cannot survive without moisture. The second step is to promote the rapid drying of the structure.Once the conditions, which enable dry rot, are eliminated all infected timber members are removed and replaced with pre-treated timbers. Adjacent timbers and masonry are then treated with fungicide fluid to help fight fungal infection during the drying process.
Masonry Fungicide Concentrate Fluid: The fungicide fluid used is a third generation Bicontinuous microemulsion formulated for the sterilisation of masonry infected with dry Rot Fungus (Serpula lacrymans). Other uses include the control of mosses, lichens and algae on external surfaces.
Wet Rot is caused by a fungus called Coniophora puteanna. Timber affected by this fungus appears dark coloured and linear cracking will be evident. This fungus is localised so therefore it does not penetrate brickwork.
Wet Rot is not an aggressive fungi and will cease when moisture is removed from their atmosphere. The treatment usually consists of the removal of the dampness and subsequent removal of decayed timbers. Chemical treatment is normally not required.