Have you noticed small holes in the wood on furniture, beams, or doors? It’s normal to immediately think of a woodworm problem, perhaps imagining they come in through those holes.
In reality, the truth is different — and it’s important to know it.
Wood Holes: Do Woodworms Enter or Exit?
One of the most common mistakes is believing that woodworms enter the wood through the visible holes.
But that’s not the case.
The holes you see are exit points, not entry points. The woodworm lives inside the wood for a long time and only at the end of its cycle creates that small hole to exit.
What Really Happens Inside the Wood
The woodworm lifecycle is hidden and often goes unnoticed:
- Eggs are laid in small cracks in the wood
- Larvae hatch and begin to dig internal tunnels
- Larvae feed on the wood for months or even years
- When they become adults, they exit by creating the hole
What you see outside is only the last phase of a process that started long before.
If You See Holes, Are Woodworms Still There?
This is the most important question when talking about wood holes.
The answer is: it depends.
The hole indicates that a woodworm has already exited, but this does not exclude that:
- there are still larvae inside
- the infestation is still active
- the damage is more extensive than it appears
Warning Signs Not to Ignore
Besides the classic holes in the wood, there are other signs that may indicate the presence of active woodworms:
- light powder (frass) near the holes
- multiple holes concentrated in the same area
- wood that crumbles or sounds hollow
In these cases, it is important to intervene to prevent more serious damage.
How to Eliminate Woodworms
Eliminating woodworms requires the right intervention for the situation.
Solutions may include:
- specific anti-woodworm treatments
- targeted professional interventions
- thorough checks of the wood condition
Every case is different, which is why an accurate assessment is important.
In Conclusion
Holes in the wood are not the entrance of woodworms, but their exit.
They are a clear sign of what has already happened and a warning not to ignore.
Have Questions About Woodworms?
If you have noticed holes in the wood or suspect the presence of woodworms, don’t wait for the problem to worsen.
Contact W13 to receive information or request an inspection: a professional check can help you protect the wood effectively and long-term.