We were contacted to resolve a woodworm infestation in a private home. After an initial phone assessment, we scheduled a technical inspection to evaluate the extent of the damage and the areas actually affected.
Inspection and Diagnosis
During the inspection, we found active woodworm presence in two separate areas:
- Ceiling beams in one room
- Parquet flooring in another room
The other rooms and surrounding structures showed no signs of infestation or recent exit holes, allowing us to focus the treatment only where necessary.
Why Only Certain Rooms Were Infested
The localized infestation was due to several environmental and structural factors:
- Different exposure: some rooms faced north, with slightly higher humidity, creating microclimates favorable to woodworms.
- Poor air circulation: less frequently used rooms remained closed for long periods, favoring larval development.
- Old parquet finish: parquet that had not been sanded or treated in recent years was more “appealing” and vulnerable to woodworm attacks.
Microwave Treatment
We carried out two targeted microwave interventions:
- Ceiling beams: targeted heating to eliminate all life stages of woodworms without damaging the wood.
- Infested parquet: localized treatment on planks with holes and tunnels, ensuring eco-friendliness and without removing furniture or coverings.
Microwaves heat the wood internally, reaching the lethal temperature for insects (approximately 55–60°C) in minutes, while preserving the surface and aesthetic appearance.
Final Result
At the end of the interventions, we verified the correct heat distribution with thermometric instruments and assured the client that the infestation was completely eradicated. As always, we delivered a technical report with thermographic images and recommendations for periodic monitoring.
Conclusion: The use of microwave technology allowed us to resolve woodworm infestations in two separate areas quickly, cleanly, and effectively, treating only where necessary and preserving the original beauty of the wood.