DIY Woodworm Treatment: Natural and Chemical Solutions That Actually Work

As a concerned homeowner looking to keep your home in good shape, the first thing you do when you spot a woodworm is plan how to eradicate it with immediate effect.

Why? Because leaving it means giving the woodworms ample time to complete their main mission: destroying your property.

Now, when it comes to removing these pests, you have to go the DIY woodworm treatment route or bring in experts. The best choice depends on the size of the infestation, whether you are comfortable with DIY, and the specific goal you want to achieve.

Some minor woodworm infestations, like a small piece of furniture or a single loft beam, can be tackled yourself. Others, especially those affecting structural timbers or multiple areas, are a different story that needs professional help.

Supposing your case looks minor and manageable, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about DIY woodworm treatment. Ultimately, you should be able to treat minor infestations yourself without any errors.

First, How to Check an Active Woodworm Infestation

Before you even think about grabbing a woodworm spray bottle or putting on gloves, you need to be sure the infestation is still active.

Treating old damage won’t achieve anything — and wasting effort on dead beetle holes is frustrating at best, and expensive at worst.

How to check if woodworm is still at work or a thing of the past:

1. Look for fresh exit holes

Wood-boring beetles leave behind tiny round holes when they emerge — usually 1–2mm in diameter. If the holes look pale or clean-edged, they may be recent. Old holes tend to darken over time and gather dust.

2. Check for fine dust (frass)

This powdery substance is a mixture of beetle droppings and chewed wood. You’ll usually find it beneath infested timber or around the exit holes. If you clear it away and it reappears in a few days or weeks, the infestation is active.

3. Test the wood’s integrity

Gently press or tap around affected areas. Soft, crumbly, or hollow-sounding wood could point to internal damage. Use a screwdriver to test deeper — it shouldn’t sink in easily.

4. Look for dead beetles or live larvae

You may find adult beetles near windows, light fittings, or underneath furniture, especially during warmer months. Larvae are rarely visible (they live inside the wood), but their presence means the life cycle is still active.

5. Know when beetles are active

In the UK, wood-boring beetles typically emerge between May and September. This is the best time to monitor for new holes or dust. If you’re unsure, set a reminder to recheck mid-summer.

If you still need more help spotting signs of active woodworm infestations, see our full guide: Signs of Active Woodworm Infestation.

Where Do Woodworn Hide

Once you have clear signs that you have an ongoing woodworm infestation, the next step is to find out where these pests are hiding in your home.

Normally, woodworm doesn’t go for the flashiest furniture. It prefers quiet, undisturbed spots where moisture levels are a bit higher and timber is untreated or unfinished.

Here are some woodworm hiding areas in your home:

• Loft timbers and roof beams – especially in older homes or where insulation traps moisture

• Floorboards and subfloors – particularly in damp or poorly ventilated rooms

• Backs and undersides of furniture – woodworm loves dark corners

• Staircases and banisters – often missed during routine checks

• Garden sheds, garages, and outbuildings – if they contain wooden shelving or roof trusses

What Tools and Materials Do You Need for DIY Woodworm Treatment?

At this point, you are very sure you have an active woodworm infestation, and you are very clear where the pests are hiding out.

Now what you need are a few basics. Some are obvious, some easily overlooked — but missing any of them mid-job can derail your progress fast.

Tools:

• Sandpaper or sanding block – You’ll need this to strip back any paint or varnish so the treatment can reach bare wood.

• Vacuum or stiff cleaning brush – To remove frass (wood dust), cobwebs, or anything else clinging to the surface.

• Spray bottle or application brush – Depends on the type of product you’re using. Sprays are quick; brushes are better for soaking it in.

• Optional: woodworm injection kit – For deeper infestations. These let you inject fluid directly into exit holes.

Safety gear:

• Gloves – Even natural remedies can irritate skin.

• Dust mask or respirator – Essential if you’re sanding or using chemical treatments indoors.

• Goggles – Especially important when treating overhead or spraying near your face.

Products:

This is where your approach starts to matter. You’ve got two broad paths: natural and chemical.

• Natural remedies – Lower toxicity, eco-friendly, better for light infestations.
• Chemical treatments – More powerful, longer-lasting, designed to kill larvae deep inside the timber.

Optional extras:

• Wood filler – To plug deep exit holes after treatment, mainly for cosmetic or furniture repair.

• Wood sealant or stain – To protect exposed timber and help prevent future infestations.

What is the Best DIY Woodworm Treatment

When considering treating woodworm yourself, you can either go with natural or chemical woodworm repellents.

Natural options come from plants, minerals, or physical methods like heat and freezing. They use substances found in nature to repel or kill woodworm with less impact on the environment.

Chemical treatments are man-made products containing synthetic insecticides designed to kill woodworm larvae and eggs deep inside the wood.

Let’s explore each of them:

(I) Natural DIY Woodworm Treatment

Natural remedies can be a good starting point for minor woodworm problems, especially if you’re cautious about chemicals or dealing with small, self-contained timber. These methods are cheap, easy to try, and usually safe around pets and children.

Just keep in mind: they’re not a silver bullet. Most work as deterrents or mild surface treatments, rather than deep-kill solutions.

Here are the natural woodworm remedies that work, and what you can expect.

1. Borax (Sodium Borate)

Best for: Small furniture, exposed wood, mild infestations.

Borax is the closest thing to a natural woodworm killer. It dries out larvae and disrupts their digestion.

How to use it:

• Mix 1 part borax powder with 4 parts hot water.
  
• Stir until fully dissolved to make a clear solution.
  
• Brush or spray generously onto bare, dry wood—especially around exit holes and suspect areas.
  
• Let it soak and dry fully. Reapply once dry, especially on thicker wood.

2. Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Best for: Light deterrence, early signs, or fresh exit holes.

Vinegar acidity repels adult beetles and mildly disinfects wood. It won’t kill larvae but can reduce egg-laying.

How to use it:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice.
  
• Apply with sponge, cloth, or spray bottle to affected wood.
  
• Let it soak in. Repeat every few days for several weeks.
  

3. Essential Oils (Clove, Eucalyptus, Neem)

Best for: Ongoing prevention and smell-based deterrence.

Some oils have insecticidal or repellent effects: clove (eugenol), neem (insect growth disruptor), eucalyptus (strong scent beetles dislike).

How to use it:

• Add 10–15 drops of oil to 1 cup of water.
  
• Spray or wipe onto wood regularly, especially near holes or cracks.
  
• Reapply every few days.
  

Pro tip: Mix with vinegar for a two-in-one deterrent. This helps protect but won’t kill deep larvae.

4. Freezing Small Wooden Items

Best for: Portable wooden objects like picture frames, toys, and stools.

Woodworm larvae can’t survive extreme cold. Freezing kills them chemically without the need for using potentially harmful chemicals.

How to use it:

• Wrap the item tightly in plastic to avoid moisture damage.
  
• Freeze at -18°C or colder for at least 2 weeks.
  
• Thaw slowly before unwrapping to avoid warping.
  

Try this: Freeze several small items at once — especially second-hand or antique pieces.

5. Heat Treatment for Furniture

Best for: Small furniture or timber sections.

Raising internal wood temperature over 50°C kills larvae, but too much heat risks damage.

How to use it:

• Place furniture in a warm, enclosed space (greenhouse or sunroom) during hot weather.
  
• For smaller items, use a heat gun on low or an oven (only if safe, unvarnished, and glue-free).
  
• Aim for 50–60°C internal temp for 30 minutes minimum.
  

(ii) Chemical DIY Woodworm Treatments

Chemical treatments for woodworm are the go-to choice for active or deeper infestations, and they come in a few different forms as we elaborate below:

• Sprays – Best for surface application on furniture or visible beams. Quick to apply and dries fast.

• Gels – Thicker, with medium penetration. Useful for vertical surfaces or irregular shapes.

• Injection fluids – Designed to go straight into exit holes. Delivers the product deep where larvae live.

• Preserving oils – Often plant-based but still effective, these tend to repel rather than kill, and are best for preventing recurrence.

Popular chemical woodworm treatment brands in the UK

• Barrettine Premier Wood Preserver – A trusted all-rounder with long-lasting protection.

• Cuprinol Woodworm Killer – Well-known, reliable, and safe for most interior use.

• No Nonsense Woodworm Killer – Budget-friendly, does the job for small-scale infestations.

How to Apply Woodworm Chemical Treatment

Once everything’s prepped and you’ve chosen your product, here’s how to apply it — whether you’re using a natural remedy or a chemical treatment.

Step 1: Suit Up

Gloves, goggles, and a dust mask or respirator — especially if indoors. Don’t rely on just cracking a window.

Step 2: Apply the Treatment

• For sprays: Apply directly to the affected wood in a slow, even layer. Let it soak in. Two to three coats are usually needed.

• For injection fluids: Use the nozzle to inject the product straight into exit holes and deeper cavities. Don’t overfill.

• For brushes: Soak the brush well and apply generously, especially around joints, cracks, or areas with visible holes.

Step 3: Let It Dry

Check the product label, but most treatments need at least 6–24 hours to dry between coats. Some need up to 48 hours to fully cure. Keep the space ventilated and off-limits to pets and kids during this time.

Step 4: Reapply as Needed

Some treatments are one-and-done. Others need two or three applications, especially natural remedies. Reapply according to the instructions.

Step 5: Monitor Over Time

Don’t just walk away and forget about it. Check the area again in a few weeks. Look for fresh holes or frass. If new signs appear, repeat the process or consider calling a professional.

How Do You Prepare the Wood Before Treatment?

Before any DIY woodworm treatment goes near your timber, the surface needs to be properly prepared. This isn’t a step to skip because if the product can’t reach the larvae, it won’t work.

1. Check That the Wood Is Dry

Woodworm treatment doesn’t work on damp timber. If you apply a product to wet wood, it either won’t soak in or it’ll just sit on the surface. Not ideal. If in doubt, use a moisture meter. Anything damp reading above 20 percent should be allowed to dry out first. Why? Find reasons in our other guide: What Percentage Damp Is Acceptable In Walls?

2. Sand Off Paint, Varnish, or Wax

The treatment needs bare timber to penetrate properly. If the wood has been sealed, even lightly, grab sandpaper or a sanding block and take it back to the raw grain. No need to get obsessive — just make sure the surface is open and breathable.

3. Clean Off Dust and Frass

Frass (that powdery wood dust) can block the treatment from entering holes. Vacuum it up or brush it away using a stiff brush. Pay attention to corners, joints, and deep grooves.

4. Cover Surrounding Surfaces

If you’re treating wood indoors, lay down dust sheets or plastic to catch drips. Chemical treatments can stain, and some have a strong smell while drying.

5. Ventilate the Area

Open windows and keep the air moving, especially if you’re using sprays or fluids. Never work in a completely closed space with chemical products.

How Long Does DIY Woodworm Treatment Take to Work?

• Initial Kill Time: Most chemical treatments begin killing larvae and beetles within 24 to 72 hours.

• Residual Protection: Many products continue working for 5 to 10 years, depending on how well the wood absorbs it.

• Natural Remedies: These tend to act more slowly and don’t leave long-term protection. You’ll need to reapply weekly or monthly.

What Safety Precautions Should You Take at Home?

You don’t need a hazmat suit, but a few smart precautions will keep the job safe:

• Always wear PPE — gloves, goggles, and a dust mask or respirator.

• Ventilate properly — open windows, use a fan, or work outdoors if possible.

• Keep pets and kids away — until the treated area is completely dry and aired.

• Don’t mix products — especially chemical and natural ones. You could cause a reaction or neutralise the treatment.

• Store leftover product safely — tightly sealed, away from heat, and clearly labelled.

How Do You Stop Woodworm From Coming Back?

Treatment is one part of the job. Prevention is the other.

Here’s how to keep woodworm out long-term:

• Control humidity – Use a dehumidifier in lofts, basements, or anywhere timber is exposed.

• Seal exposed timber – Use a wood stain, varnish, or preservative to stop beetles from laying new eggs.

• Be cautious with second-hand furniture – Especially antiques. Check backs, undersides, and joints before bringing it into your home.

• Inspect timber regularly – Once or twice a year, especially in spring and summer.

• Pre-treat bare wood – If you’re renovating or building, treat timber before painting or sealing it.

Is DIY Woodworm Treatment Worth It?

We need to be honest; not every woodworm infestation can be handled at home. But when it can, DIY is worth it.

Below is a comparison table showing how DIY and professional woodworm treatment costs compare.

If the infestation is mild, localised, and caught early, you can save hundreds and still get lasting results. But if it’s structural, widespread, or keeps coming back, don’t risk it. Get a survey. Peace of mind is worth paying for.

Answering Your DIY Woodworm Treatment Questions