Deathwatch Beetle

The Death Beetle prefers European hardwoods such as oak, ash and chestnut. This woodworm beetle is most common in Southern and Central England.

Deathwatch Beetle is common throughout the South of England. Northern parts are not usually affected except where timbers have been imported. This beetle attacks large hardwood timbers such as Elm and Oak. The beetle, having started in hardwoods, may move across to neighbouring softwoods. This beetle prefers damp conditions and even better when there is some kind of fungal decay or "wet rot" in the timbers. The beetle needs these conditions to develop rapidly.

The Death Watch Beetle is a wood boring beetle, typically sized between 7mm and larvae growing up to 11mm long:

These woodborer beetles create tapping or clicking sounds to attract mates. This tapping can be heard in old building rafters during quiet nights. The name Deathwatch Beetle is due to the association with quiet sleepless nights and are named for the vigil kept beside the dying or dead.The Death Watch Beetle prefers damp conditions. If you have fungal decay in timbers such as wet rot the Beetle can develop even more rapidly. In these conditions fast treatment and preventive measures can hugly reduce the damage caused.

Where would I find the Deathwatch Beetle?

The Deathwatch Beetle causes woodworm problems particulary in Southern/Central England. The further North in the UK you travel this woodworm beetle is rarer and in Scotland virtually absent. This beetle prefers European hardwards, inlcuding oak, ash and chestnut. Especially wood that has been softened with dry or wet rot.

The larvae tend to tunnel torwards the centre of the timber resulting in extensive damage that can often be hidden from view on the outside of the timber.

More on woodworm and treatments

To find out more about treating and limiting the damage from woodworm, visit the following webpages:

What is Woodworm? information on woodworm beetles and advice on determining woodworm infestations.
Woodworm Lifecycle from larve to adult, the importance of fast treatment to limit damage
Woodworm Tips & Treatments help and advice and how to treatwoodworm including preventitve measures

Woodworm suspected? Contact Verminate for free impartial advice.

If you suspect you may have a possible woodworm infestation please contact Verminate for advice. If you believe you have woodworm call our main or one of our local office's for a site visit where we can inspect and advise on what treatment is neccesary.

ain or one of our local office's for a site visit where we can inspect and advise on what treatment is neccesary.

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