Wood worm, oak floor and previous infestation

davemorton

About a year and a half ago I discovered a serious woodworm problem in my floor. It was at its worst in the dinning room, so I pulled the entire floor, joists and all out, and replaced with new, and as a double precaution, I treated all the new joists with woodworm treatment.
Unfourtunatly I had just laid a rather expensive oak floor in the livingroom, so without pulling up the floor, I managed to replace the centre joists from the dining room (just leaving 2 amall alcoves unchanged and give it all a damn good spray with treatment. The joists in the living room only had the odd whole in, unlike the dining room.
I then went on to finish laying my lovely oak floor in the dining room.
Fastforward 18 months.
I have just found woodworm holes & associated dust on my new oak floor, but what confuses me is that it has only affected one piece of the flooring (all the rest seem okay for now) and that piece of flooring is in the middle of the diningroom, where the new (and treated) floor and joists were.
So, my questions, what are the chances of this being the old woodworm, or is it a greater possibility that it is an new infestation brought in with the oak flooring. And if so, what sort of recourse would I have with the rather large trade warehouse that sold me the flooring?
Cheers for taking the time to read my post, and all comments gratefully recieved.

davemorton

Shameless bump, anyone have knowledge in this area?

oldcarpenter

There is every possibility the new woodworm was introduced with the new oak flooring. 30% of infestations are caused by the homeowner bringing the woodworm into the home, logs and antiques are the worst but hardwood flooring is a close third. A close inspection of all boards must be made and any evidence of woodworm should be returned and never used.
Only this week I returned 5 packs, made up after inspecting 20 packs of 18mm solid oak flooring. The timber flooring people assured me the timber was treated and also any kiln seasoned process would kill any active woodworm. That may well be true but a lot now is being recycled which need no seasoning and I doubt they would be treated only to then dry out the treatment.
Any fresh wood dust or new exit holes seen in new oak flooring after installation must be filled with a hard filler. This will help the cycle because this is where the female will lay her eggs after mating in such holes or cracks. Exit holes and new eggs being laid only take place in late spring/early summer. It will take between 3/5 years for any active woodworm larva to reach maturity and exit your new flooring. The secret is not to let them return.

tony6403

Damp conditions increase the chance of woodworm infestation .I suggest that you have a look at the under floor ventilation. Check that the air bricks are clear of any obstruction.