Woodworms in Antiques

Identification

• Woodworms are often found in the summer or during warm weather when they hatch on the surface of wood furniture. These insects are called woodworms because before they hatch they are larvae that appear as worms. However, once hatched, the insects are actually oval, reddish-brown beetles that average around 1/8-inch long. Woodworms also have wings that are covered with yellow hairs. These hairs are usually only visible under a microscope. Woodworms can be found in any wood antique but are very common among antiques made in Europe and New Zealand, especially in woods such as beech, birch, cherry, spruce and alder.

Detection

• When examining antique furniture for woodwoms, look for tiny round holes. These holes can be an indication of woodworms eating the wood. In addition, woodworms often lay eggs on antique furniture that look like small pearl eggs. These eggs can be in clusters of up to 50 and are usually found in cracks, ends or crevices of the wood. Finally, search for insects that look like beetles or keep your eye out for larvae that look like small grayish white worms.

Prevention

• If you deal with antiques often, it is important to take preventative measures to protect your antiques from woodworms before they even appear. To do this, first examine the furniture to be sure no woodworms exist. In the spring of each year, apply woodworm oil generously to your antique piece and let dry for several days in a ventilated area. Be sure to test a small area first to confirm the oil does not affect the finish of your antique. In addition, do not store firewood in your home, as woodworms can be brought into homes through firewood.

Treatment

• If you determine woodworms have already infested your antique piece, treat the piece with an oil-based insecticide made for killing woodworms. Inject the insecticide into the community of insects as well as over all areas of the wood. This process can be toxic and must be done using gloves and goggles, but will likely stop the infestation as well as prevent future infestations.