Woodworm?

Careful_with_that_Axe

I was lucky enough to obtain an art-deco style Mahogany (?) unit from Freecycle that is a little battered and bruised. It is my intention to give it a little tlc and enjoy it.
However, I have come across some rather suspect holes that look distinctly like woodworm. I feel it is unlikely to be an infestation, but would rather proceed with caution and treat as if it is.
I have a strong aversion to chemicals and wondered if anyone has an eco-friendly suggestion to treat this with?

All suggestions gratefully accepted.
TY

moo2moo

The Eco friendly way would be to burn it turning it into firewood asap before a few minor holes becomes a major infestation in the structural timbers of your property.

The non-eco way would be to swallow your principles and treat it with woodworm killing chemicals.

victotoro

hi, yes there is - a strong solution of borax (available in boots) will kill woodworm - just paint it on the affected wood.

Non-toxic (well, apart from to woodworm), harmless.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Many thanks victotoro. I'll give that a go.

Debt_Free_Chick

Are you sure it's current woodworm and not simply evidence of an old infestation?

moanymoany

I'm with moo2moo on this one. You would be well advised to ditch the furniture. Woodworm can cost an arm and a leg if it gets into your house - easier not to take the risk.

You got it for free, so you are not losing anything. Keep looking for something woodworm free.

If you decided to keep it I would say show it to an expert and get their advice. My in laws bought something from an auction that had woodworm, they didn't realise and it cost them a heap of dosh in the end.

M.E.

It is relatively easy to know if it is a live infestation.
There will be fresh sawdust coming from the holes.
How to find out.
Put sellotape over the holes and shake the furniture vigorously. If any of the debris on the sellotape is fresh sawdust then it is a live infestation.
Treat it or burn it.
If it is grey dust, the beasties have gone.
Hope that helps.

Debt_Free_Chick

M.E. wrote: »

It is relatively easy to know if it is a live infestation.
There will be fresh sawdust coming from the holes.
How to find out.
Put sellotape over the holes and shake the furniture vigorously. If any of the debris on the sellotape is fresh sawdust then it is a live infestation.
Treat it or burn it.
If it is grey dust, the beasties have gone.
Hope that helps.

I have to admit, those were my thoughts.

My house is full of old furniture gathered from auctions & junk shops. Much of it shows signs of old woodworm infestation, but none of it is current.

Also .... many, many homes will have been treated for woodworm. If so, there will be a very low risk of old furniture infecting the house. I won't say "it can't happen" - clearly it can. But you have to weigh up the particular circumstances.

I'm currently in an extension to a rented property with old oak beams .... boy, they've certainly had WW in the past. Looks like they've been gunned with a fine calibre shotgun :rotfl:

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thank you for all suggestions Property where I live is very old and built with old Cornish stone. Very little structural timber. I do however have a Makintosh chair which is my pride and joy and don't really want to risk this or anything else getting infected.
I don't think it is an active infestation, but am happy to take the belt and braces approach.
I couldn't bear to burn this even though it's old and tired - it's not in my nature. I can't even prune plants as I can't bear to cut away growth!
I'll assess whether wormies are active and take it from there.
Thanks to everyone.