Woodworm in new kitchen

JCrennovator

4 months after installation of my new kitchen I have discovered woodworm in one of the cabinet doors. I have contacted the retailer and they have said their supplier said it couldn't be their fault as they dry all the oak prior to manufacture and then spray it. This would kill any wood worm. They claim the problem therefore lies on the premises. From my research it appears not all eggs can be destroyed in this process and can be in the timber for up to 2 years before they hatch-out.

The retailer has put the onus on me to employ a woodworm specialist to diagnose the problem.

Any advice would be much appreciated. From how I understand it, my contract is with the retailer and not the manufacturer. Under Consumer Rights Act 2015, it it for the retailer to prove it wasn't their fault, and repair or replace. We also have the right to reject the goods and have a full refund.

The issue I have with just replacing the door, it that there may be eggs in other parts of the the kitchen which will result in the problem returning at a later stage after the three month period.

teneighty

That is ridiculous, the life cycle of the common furniture beetle is years. There is no way they could have laid eggs, hatched in to larvae and emerged as adults leaving flight holes in 4 months.

The larvae must have already been in the timber. Also if it is not native British timber they could be some exotic foreign species, some of which can be tremendously damaging.

AndyMc.....

It!!!8217;s usually 2-5 years before they hatch out. If they!!!8217;re insisting you get a specialist in then get one, but before doing so inform them it will be at their cost if they!!!8217;re found to be at fault.

JCrennovator

Interestingly, spoke to a specialist who said it is likely to be a Powder Post Beetle (Lyctus Brunneus). It feeds on the sapwood in newly sawn timbers such as oak. It has a short life cycle as it only feeds on the sapwood and not the heartwood. So makes tunnels then dies. Heat treatment doesn't get rid of it. So now back to the retailer to say its the fault of their supplier and they should pay the specialist to product a report. As the beetle has a short life cycle there is a good chance it hasn't spread.

Just annoys me that the retailer said it was the fault of my house. If they refuse to accept this advice, what would my options be?

SG27

No woodworm eates heartwood. Unless its constantly damp. Dried sapwood they wont eat either. What is left in your cupboards will die out over the next 5 years and they pose no risk to timbers in your house. (Unless you have a serious damp problem)

You issue will be the exit holes which you dont want all over your kitchen cupboards!

marinaro80

Just seen this thread. I understand it’s a few years old but we are having the same problem with our new kitchen and the kitchen supplier are saying the same. Can I ask how you got on in the end and which kitchen supplier this was? 

Thank you 😊

52Helen

We’ve discovered woodworm holes and dust being produced daily in one cupboard door of our new kitchen fitted February 2024. Have removed door and put outside! Fitter giving us the silent treatment. Don’t know who supplier was.  Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks