A deathwatch beetle infestation sounds like something you should be scared of, and in many ways it is. The tapping sound it makes during the mating season has historically been heard by those keeping deathbed vigils, and this has led to the insect’s reputation as a harbinger of death.
However, of more concern than any superstition should be the damage deathwatch beetles can cause when there's an infestation, which is similar to that of woodworms.
In this guide, you'll find out the signs that suggest you have deathwatch beetles in your home, alongside the problems they cause and best ways to treat them.
How to get rid of deathwatch beetles in your home
1. Reduce humidity and improve air flow
Since deathwatch beetles aren’t attracted to dry wood, Tony King, Owner and Manager of The Pied Piper, recommends reducing humidity and improving airflow within your home. You can achieve this by investing in the best dehumidifier and ensuring there is sufficient ventilation.
Ideally, the moisture content of the wood should be reduced to below 14%, or even 12%, to be sure of eradication. This can be difficult if, for example, the area suffers from condensation, or poor ventilation.
Once the correct moisture levels are reached, dry conditions must be maintained, which may include isolating the wood from damp masonry.
2. Remove the source
You'll want to carefully remove any damp, weak wood in your home that is a hotspot for deathwatch beetles. Once it's out, Tony protects the remaining timber with an insecticide that is specially made for wood-boring beetles.
Serving as both a dehumidifier and an air purifier, this Meaco model can collect up to 20L of moisture per day, and costs just 6p per hour to run.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years. His team of professionals can help eliminate everything from deathwatch beetle to rat intrusions.
How serious is a deathwatch beetle infestation?
If deathwatch beetles are found in your home, you do have some real cause for concern. They eat hardwood affected by fungal decay, so that alone is a serious problem and can potentially affect your building's timber frame.
Darren Backhouse, Partner at MJ Backhouse Pest Control, says "Deathwatch beetle larvae can live in timber for years and causes a lot of damage before you notice the signs. In some cases, infestations can cause structural damage and lead to expensive home repairs."
Deathwatch beetles are also known to eat softwoods affected by rot when in close contact with infested hardwoods.
Darren is the partner of a family-run pest control company based in Yorkshire, which has been operating since 1988. He has vast experience working on both domestic and commercial property and has seen just about every pest control issue there is over the years.
What are the signs of deathwatch beetles?
1. Sound
"The sound made by deathwatch beetles is one of the most prominent signs of their presence: a ticking or tapping," says Tony King. "The sound is very soft, so it can only be heard in very quiet places, which are usually old buildings."
2. Powdery frass
You might also notice their debris on your timber, which appears as powdery frass.
3. Small openings or weakened timber
According to Tony, deathwatch beetles may create small openings or cause structural weakening of the timber.
The beetle itself is around 7mm long and dark brown with yellow hair, while the larvae are cream-colored with yellow hair. It is important to determine whether an infestation is current or from the past, possibly even centuries ago.
Once the presence of deathwatch beetles is confirmed, the integrity of the timber should be checked by a structural engineer, particularly since the beetles seem to favour joints.
Deathwatch beetles are a serious problem to have in the home, but by addressing the source of the infestation quickly, you'll remove them fairly quickly.
For more expert pest advice, read our guide on how to get rid of carpet beetles and bedbugs for good.
