Sarakia
The term “woodworm” usually refers to a group of wood-boring insects belonging to the order Coleoptera. They are pests that pose a significant threat, as together with termites they cause the greatest damage to raw and treated wooden materials.
The infestation by woodworms is manifested by the appearance of holes in the wood and the presence of fine wood dust on the floor. The holes are the exits of the galleries that the woodworms open in the wood. Sometimes, the infestation is noticed by a characteristic sound that resembles the sound of a clock.
The life cycle of maggots includes the stages of egg, larva, pupa and finally adult insect. The larva lives in the wood from 1 to many years and is the most destructive stage, as it opens holes and galleries in the wood.
Wood moisture affects the likelihood of woodworm infestation. Treated wood in buildings is generally drier than dead wood in nature, so species in buildings are adapted to drier conditions. Different woodworms prefer different chemical components of wood such as lignin and cellulose. In addition, previous infestation by wood-decaying fungi can facilitate the establishment and infestation of woodworms..
Items
Common skunk
It is the most common wood-eating insect in Greece and attacks furniture, works of art, ceilings, roofs and floors. The common woodworm has two hard outer wings (scientific name: Anobium punctatumThe exit holes of the perfect insect are circular with a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm and have diagnostic value.
Wood borer or woodworm of old houses
It is a common insect that attacks the sapwood of conifers (e.g. fir, pine), mainly on roofs but also on doors, windows and floors. It has two long antennae. Its scientific name is Hylotrypes bajulus. The larvae open tunnels and make a characteristic noise that has diagnostic value.
Parakeet or lyktos
It is a fairly common insect because it mainly attacks parquet floors. Its scientific name is Lyctus linearis. The exit holes of the perfect insect resemble those of the common woodworm. It opens galleries and produces a very fine dust that is pushed towards the surface of the wood in small piles. It is very dangerous, since it can attack the wood during natural drying.
Treatment
The fine wood dust (frass) that falls from the holes consists of wood shavings mixed with the insect's droppings. The shape of the droppings can be used to determine the type of insect infesting the tree.
There are various control methods such as injections, smears, sprays, and impregnations, but the most effective is fumigation, which, however, is not applicable in residential areas.
Reducing humidity in the area and promptly removing infested wood at the beginning of the infestation can limit the problem. The use of certified wood and appropriate protection of the wood with impregnation before use are preventive measures.
Regular inspections are important and in case of infestation, spraying is recommended when the adult insect is outside the wood. Painting infested wood in winter may reveal an active infestation in spring when the adults emerge. Placing electric traps also helps to detect and reduce the population.
For small valuable wooden objects, special methods can be applied in special chambers such as heat treatment, cooling or oxygen removal. These methods are safe for humans but require appropriate equipment and expertise to avoid damage to the object.
