# Dealing with woodworm: professional solutions for every type of infestation Woodworm in your home or building is not a minor issue. The damage can spread quickly, compromise the structure of your wood, and even threaten the stability of your property. At Protector, we treat **all types of woodworm** using techniques tailored to the beetle species, the severity of the infestation, and the type of wood. But before we can treat, we first need to [**confirm**](https://protector.be/index.php?Itemid=780&lang=en) which type of woodworm is active. Only then can the treatment be fully effective. That’s why below we provide: - a **complete guide** for each type of woodworm, - our **treatment methods**, - clear **pricing**, - a **step-by-step plan from diagnosis to completion**, - GEO-information covering **all of Belgium & Luxembourg**. --- | ![protector woodworm treatment](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-houtworm-behandelen.jpg "protector woodworm treatment") | ## Why woodworm must always be treated professionally Woodworm is a collective term for larvae of various beetle species that live in your wood for years, consuming it from the inside. The consequences? - invisible structural weakening - risk of beams bending or collapsing - damage to floors, furniture, and roof structures - spread to other wooden elements That is why a **professional treatment** is necessary. Not with DIY remedies, but with **deep-penetrating techniques** that eliminate both larvae and adult beetles. | |---|---| --- ## Our approach: from diagnosis to final treatment An efficient treatment begins with correct identification. Each woodworm species requires a different approach. ### 1. On-site inspection Our experts visit your location to assess: - [the type of woodworm](https://protector.be/index.php?Itemid=780&lang=en) - the severity of the infestation - the condition of the wood - accessibility - risk of structural damage Inspection duration: 30–45 minutes depending on the property ### 2. Diagnosis & report You receive a summary including: - which woodworm is active - which areas are affected - wood moisture measurements - photos of the infestation - recommended treatment - cost estimate €/m² ### 3. Treatment according to woodworm type Each type has specific techniques. Below is an overview of the impact of each species and the required treatment. ### 4. Aftercare & warranty Protector provides a 20-year warranty on every woodworm treatment, which we discuss with you after the diagnosis. --- ## Which woodworm do you have? The four most common woodworm species in Belgium and Luxembourg: | ![protector house longhorn beetle](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-houtworm-boktor.jpg "protector house longhorn beetle") ### House longhorn beetle | ![kleine klopkever](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-houtworm-kleine-klopkever.jpg "protector kleine klopkever") ### Small deathwatch beetle (Memel) | ![protector large deathwatch beetle](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-grote-houtwormkever.jpg "protector large deathwatch beetle") ### Large deathwatch beetle | |---|---|---| Below is a **recognition guide** for each species and the **specific treatment advice**. | ### The house longhorn beetle | |---| | The most damaging woodworm species in our region. #### How to recognise the house longhorn beetle: - 10 to 20 mm long - Grey hair tufts on elytra - Two shiny spots on the pronotum - Dull brown or black - Long antennae - Larvae live 2 to 4 years in the wood - Active from April to September #### Symptoms in your wood: - oval exit holes - coarse pressed sawdust - raised areas on the wood surface - audible gnawing on warm days #### How we treat the house longhorn beetle: Its powerful jaws and deep feeding tunnels mean a standard surface treatment is insufficient. #### Recommended treatment (professional) - **Deep injection with insecticide** - **Surface treatment with micro-emulsions** - **Optional thermal treatment** for severe infestations - **Reinforcement of weakened beam ends** #### Typical treatment duration 1 to 3 days depending on the building. | | ### The small deathwatch beetle (Memel) | |---| | Common in old houses, churches, and cellars. #### Recognition - Chocolate brown to black - 2.5 to 5 mm long - Cylindrical - Rows of dots on elytra - Larvae remain 2 to 4 years in the wood #### Symptoms: - fine piles of sawdust - small round exit holes (1–3 mm) - audible gnawing #### Treatment for small deathwatch beetle **Standard approach** - **Surface treatment** with high-quality insecticide - **Deep injection** for severe infestations - Check for moisture issues (this species prefers damp conditions) #### Typical duration 1 day for standard treatment | | ### The large deathwatch beetle | |---| | Often found in older buildings with damp wood. #### Recognition - Adult beetle 5–7 mm - Lives 3–5 years in the wood - Speckled appearance - Dark brown colour - Develops faster in damp wood #### Symptoms: - round exit holes - grainy sawdust - wood rot - infestation of embedded beam ends - audible gnawing #### Treatment for large deathwatch beetle This species requires a combined treatment. **Professional approach** - **Deep injection** in affected beams - **Surface treatment** (also preventive) - **Repair of beam ends** (if structurally weakened) - **Moisture problem treatment** (if present) #### Typical duration 1–2 days | | ### The powderpost beetle (parquet beetle) | |---| | Very common in parquet floors, furniture, and wooden panels. #### Recognition - 2 to 6 mm long - Light-shy - Reddish brown to black - Trapezium-shaped pronotum #### Symptoms: - powdery sawdust - round exit holes 1–2 mm - audible gnawing #### Treatment for powderpost beetle **Recommended technique** - **Surface treatment** with gel or micro-emulsion - **Deep injection** for parquet on beams - **Optional replacement** of severely affected parquet #### Duration 1 day | --- | ## Additional services at Protector ### Structural reinforcement When wood is structurally weakened by woodworm, we repair: - [beam ends](https://protector.be/index.php?Itemid=795&lang=en) - load-bearing beams - roof trusses - floorboards Using techniques such as: - epoxy injection - partial replacement of elements - reinforcement with stainless steel or laminated wood ### Wood moisture measurement and remediation Since moisture greatly influences activity, we measure and remediate if necessary: - [basement sealing](https://protector.be/index.php?Itemid=791&lang=en) - ventilation - [condensation solutions](https://protector.be/index.php?Itemid=792&lang=en) - rising damp treatment | ![protector additional services](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-aanvullende-diensten.jpg "protector additional services") | |---|---| --- ## Step-by-step plan for your woodworm treatment ### 1. Free advice & contact Call us at [0800 30 163](tel:+32080030163) or use the [contact form](https://protector.be/index.php?Itemid=800&lang=en). ### 2. On-site inspection Our expert quickly visits after phone contact to assess the severity of the problem. ### 3. Diagnostic report Includes woodworm type, infestation zones, moisture measurement, and recommended plan. ### 4. Professional treatment Surface, injection, or combined methods. ### 5. Check & warranty We verify the treatment and register your warranty. --- | ## Checklist: is your woodworm still active? The checklist below is also used by our inspector on-site. You can already confirm about 80% of activity yourself. \| Checkpoint \| What does it mean? \| \|---\|---\| \| Fine or grainy sawdust present? \| High likelihood of active woodworm \| \| New (light) sawdust traces visible? \| Recent activity in the past days/weeks \| \| Fresh wood dust under beams or skirting? \| Recent exit holes \| \| Sound of gnawing larvae on warm days? \| Almost certainly active infestation \| \| Oval or round holes visible? \| Woodworm type may be identifiable \| \| Raised or soft spots in wood? \| Deep infestation, structural risk \| \| Damp or poorly ventilated areas? \| Increased risk of large or small deathwatch beetle \| If there are **at least 2 “YES”**, an inspection is **strongly recommended**. | |---| --- ## Which treatment suits which woodworm? The four most common woodworm species in Belgium and Luxembourg: | ![protector house longhorn beetle](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-houtworm-boktor.jpg "protector house longhorn beetle") ### House longhorn beetle **Characteristics** - Severe damage, deep tunnels **Recommended treatment** - Deep injection + surface treatment **Duration** - 1–3 days | ![kleine klopkever](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-houtworm-kleine-klopkever.jpg "protector kleine klopkever") ### Small deathwatch beetle **Characteristics** - Common in old houses **Recommended treatment** - Surface + injection if needed **Duration** - 1 day | ![large deathwatch beetle](https://protector.be/images/content/protector-grote-houtwormkever.jpg "large deathwatch beetle") ### Large deathwatch beetle **Characteristics** - Moisture-sensitive, affects beam ends **Recommended treatment** - Injection + moisture control **Duration** - 1–2 days | |---|---|---| --- | ## Protector operates throughout Belgium \| - Antwerp Tel.: [0475 96 97 97](tel:+32475969797) - Limburg Tel.: [0475 96 97 97](tel:+32475969797) - East Flanders Tel.: [0475 96 97 97](tel:+32475969797) - West Flanders Tel.: [0475 96 97 97](tel:+32475969797) - Flemish Brabant Tel.: [0475 96 97 97](tel:+32475969797) \| - Brussels Tel.: [02 526 07 70](tel:+3225260770) - Walloon Brabant Tel.: [0477 76 75 55](tel:+32477767555) - Namur Tel.: [0477 76 75 55](tel:+32477767555) - Hainaut Tel.: [0477 76 75 55](tel:+32477767555) - Luxembourg Tel.: [02 526 07 70](tel:+3225260770) \| ![protector kantoren](https://protector.be/images/protector-kantoren-kaart-fr.png) \| \|---\|---\|---\| | |---| --- | ## Why choose Protector? - 40 years of experience - Specialist in woodworm, moisture problems, and restoration - Certified experts - Treatment with professional products - Warranty on treatment - Strong reputation across Belgium | |---| --- | ## Quick assistance from a certified woodworm expert? Our specialists are ready across Belgium and Luxembourg. [Ask us a question](mailto:info@protector.be?subject=I%20would%20like%20to%20receive%20some%20more%20information%20about%20Protector) [Get a free quote](https://protector.be/index.php?Itemid=801&lang=en) [ Call us for free 0800 30 163 ](tel:080030163) | |---| ## Frequently Asked Questions about Treating Woodworm and the Correct Approach ### What is the best way to professionally treat woodworm? The best method to treat woodworm depends on the type of beetle, the severity of the infestation, and the accessibility of the wood. In most homes, a combination of surface treatment and deep injections is the most effective approach. The surface treatment penetrates a few millimeters into the wood and eliminates active larvae in the upper layer. Deep injections ensure the product reaches deeper tunnels where larvae can remain active for years. In cases of structural damage or affected beam ends, additional repairs may be necessary. A professional inspection determines the exact technique required and prevents further spread of the infestation. ### How long does it take to completely remove woodworm? A woodworm treatment usually takes between 1 and 3 days, depending on the extent of the infestation and the type of treatment. Simple surface treatments are generally completed in one day, while deep injections or structural repairs may take longer. The product used remains active in the wood for an extended period, neutralizing any remaining larvae or newly emerged insects, ensuring long-term protection. Protector also provides a warranty and schedules the treatment based on the accessibility of spaces and the specific situation. ### What does a professional woodworm treatment cost? The cost of a woodworm treatment depends on various factors: the number of square meters of affected wood, the depth of the infestation, the type of woodworm, and any additional repairs needed. On average, prices range from a lower intervention fee for small areas to a per-square-meter rate for larger treatments. In cases of severe damage or structural issues, extra work such as reinforcing beam ends may be required. Protector provides a clear, tailored quote after each inspection, ensuring there are no surprises and full transparency regarding the total cost and steps needed to eliminate woodworm. ### How can I be sure that the woodworm is completely gone? A professional treatment targets both active larvae and adult insects, minimizing the risk of reinfestation. The wood is deeply saturated with a product that remains active for a long period. During the inspection, our experts assess the depth of the infestation and determine the method required to reach all tunnels. After treatment, we follow up to monitor progress. With the warranty and thorough treatment, you can be confident that the woodworm is gone and the wood is completely safe again. ### Can woodworm stop or disappear on its own without treatment? Woodworm never stops on its own. Larvae live in the wood for 2 to 5 years, feeding continuously, often without visible external signs. Even if no sawdust is visible temporarily, the infestation may still be active. Once adult beetles emerge, they lay new eggs, restarting the cycle. Without professional treatment, the damage continues, potentially compromising the stability of beams, floors, and roof structures. Treatment is always necessary to prevent further damage. ### Is woodworm dangerous to the structure of a building? Yes. Certain woodworm species, such as the house longhorn beetle and large deathwatch beetle, can cause significant structural damage. They create deep tunnels that weaken the load-bearing capacity of beams, floors, roof trusses, and beam ends. When left unnoticed for years, wooden elements can bend or partially collapse. During inspections, our experts determine whether only treatment is needed or if additional structural reinforcement is recommended. Timely intervention prevents costly repairs and ensures a safe, stable home. ### How is it determined which treatment my wood needs? Every treatment begins with a thorough inspection of the woodwork. Our expert examines the woodworm type, the size and depth of the infestation, wood moisture, and accessibility of the affected areas. Based on this, we determine whether a surface treatment is sufficient, deep injections are required, or additional structural work is necessary. This ensures the treatment is fully tailored to your specific situation. You receive a detailed report with photos and a transparent explanation of the recommended approach. [to top](#) | | ## What Our Customers Say "Philippe and Boris, and especially Abdel, Fernando, and Laurent, did a very beautiful job. Perfect plastering after treatment completes the picture." Luc | |---|---|