Gardeners Warned To Watch Out For A Cream-Coloured 'Dust'

Not only are we entering peak bee swarming season, but James Higgins, Head of eCommerce at Grass247, said we’re about to be beset by woodworms too. 

“Most people associate woodworm with lofts, floorboards, and old indoor furniture, but many don’t realise that wooden features in the garden can also be vulnerable,” he shared.

With recent wet, warm weather “and woodworm season underway, it’s a good time to check timber features around the garden for the early warning signs of damage,” he added. 

This can include a dust-like substance called “frass”.

What are woodworms? 

They’re the larvae of different species of wood-eating beetles. 

Their peak season is usually from March to October. 

Woodworms cause the most damage in their larval stage, when they gnaw through the cellulose, hemicellulose and nitrogen present in the wood. That can cause structural damage. 

Additionally, the adult beetles tunnel their way out of the wood, leading to further tiny holes.

They usually have a pale body with a black head, but you probably won’t see them if you’ve got them – they hide deep in the wood.

Where are woodworms found? 

They typically like older, softer, wetter materials. They can be found in joists, floorboards, lofts, and vintage furniture.

But they can be found in your garden, too.

“Woodworm tends to favour timber with higher moisture levels because it’s easier for larvae to feed and develop within the wood. That means everything from garden furniture and decking to timber sleepers, raised beds, and wooden lawn edging can be worth checking at this time of year,” Higgins shared. 

“Damp conditions won’t suddenly create an infestation overnight, but they can make existing problems easier to spot and allow damage to worsen if it’s left untreated.” 

What are the signs of woodworm? 

One sign you’ve got an infestation is a substance that looks like dust at first glance. 

“Fresh woodworm activity often leaves behind a fine, cream-coloured dust known as ‘frass’. It can collect beneath things like furniture legs, decking boards, timber edging, sleeper borders, and around the base of raised beds,” Higgins revealed.

“It looks very similar to sawdust, but if it keeps reappearing after being brushed away, it could indicate active woodworm.” 

Other signs of woodworm include: 

“Pay particular attention to garden sleepers, timber edging, pergolas, decking, and other wooden landscaping features that are exposed to the elements year-round or sit close to the soil” when looking for softer or crumbling wood, the expert continued. 

Remember: beetles usually come out en masse from June to July, meaning you’ll benefit most from a keen bug watch, especially around sheds, conservatories, garages, and windows during those months. 

If you think you might have woodworm, drying, ventilating, and treating the wood can help. If you’re not sure, it’s best to reach out to a professional.