Parklands Wood Borer Treatment

Parklands grew fast from bare dune land into rows of townhouse complexes and family homes, so many pest issues here come from the sand and open veld that still surround parts of it. Ants, mice and windblown flies are typical.

Timber pests around Parklands

Newer homes have little old timber, but roof trusses and wooden decks can still be inspected for borer. Beetle certificates are still required on sale.

Most homes are newer brick houses and townhouses in complexes with shared walls and gardens. Light roofs and modern building methods keep things tidy, but gaps around pipes, vents and garage doors let mice and insects in. Complexes share refuse areas, which can attract rodents. Some estates have ponds and open spaces with water features.

Ants and mice are the most common calls, with fleas in summer. Mosquitoes breed around ponds and water features. Egyptian geese and pigeons cause mess in estates.

A note from the field

When we go into a roof, the first thing we look at is the condition of the wall plates and the bottom of the trusses, because damp spots there attract borer.

Old exit holes do not mean you have a problem today. We see plenty of furniture with holes from decades ago and no live beetles at all.

Signs to look for

1. Adult beetles found on windowsills or near lights in late spring and summer.
2. A beetle inspection for a property transfer has flagged activity.
3. Small round or oval exit holes in timber, furniture or floorboards.
4. Fine powder, called frass, building up under wooden items or on the floor below roof timbers.

Our process, step by step

We start with an inspection to confirm the beetle species and whether the holes are active or old, because old damage does not need treating. Exposed timber such as roof trusses, beams and floor joists is treated with a residual borer spray that penetrates the surface and kills emerging beetles and young larvae. Where the wood is thick or the infestation is deep, we inject product directly into the flight holes and drilled galleries. Badly weakened timber should be replaced by a builder, and we tell you which pieces are past saving. Valuable furniture can be sealed and fumigated instead.

1. Inspection

   We check the roof space, floors and timber features with good lighting and probe suspect wood.

2. Identify the beetle

   We confirm the species from the holes, frass and any beetles found, and report European house borer where required.

3. Mark the damage

   Active areas are mapped, and any structurally weak timber is noted for replacement.

4. Spray and inject

   Exposed timber is sprayed and heavily infested pieces are injected through the exit holes.

5. Report and certificate

   You get a written report, and where needed a Certificate of Compliance for the property transfer.

Stopping a repeat visit

• Use treated timber for any roofing, decking or building work, and check the treatment marks on it.
• Check second-hand furniture for holes and fresh powder before you bring it home.
• Seal or varnish bare wood surfaces, because beetles prefer to lay eggs in rough, untreated grain.
• Have the roof timbers looked at every few years in an older house.
• If you are buying or selling, book the beetle inspection early so it does not delay the transfer.

Pricing, honestly

The price depends on how much timber needs treating, how easy the roof space is to get into and which beetle we are dealing with. A single piece of furniture is a very different job to a full roof of trusses. Injection work, replacement advice and certificates for transfers are all included in a free quote once we have seen the property.

Adult beetles emerge mainly from late spring through summer, roughly October to February in Cape Town, which is when fresh holes and powder show up. That is the best time to spot an active problem, but treatment can be done all year round.

Wood Borer Treatment questions from Parklands

Wood Borer Treatment nearby and related