Attic woodworm - DIY or Fumigation?

Paremon

Woodworm spotted on some of the attic joists in our house built in the 70s. Insulating the attic but need to ensure all woodworm is killed off first. By the exit holes it seems that the woodworm may have exited but I'm not 100% sure. I've yet to inspect the remainder of the joists to see if there are more signs of woodworm (past or present).

I was considering doing a DIY job buy buying woodworm treatment & either a brush or sprayer in Woodies (plus saftey gear; overalls, gloves, glasses etc).
But during an inspection of the attic by an insulation installer fumigation was recommended. So far quotes are 5 to 600 from one of the mainstream fumigation companies (20 year guarantee). I'm unsure if fumigation is overkill though when a much cheaper DIY job might do it. Still I would prefer to ensure its done properly & some parts of the attic may be harder to reach. What are peoples' thoughts on the value of fumigation vs DIY based on experience?

893bet

500 quid for a 20 year warranty!

A lot cheaper that spending 50 quid in woodies bit having to reroof it or take a reduced selling price if ye ever sell as the engineer reports woodworm etc.

tabby aspreme

Wood worm need timber with a moisture content above 18% to survive, if you have a damp or condensation problem in your attic you need to sort that first or the wood worm will be back , research the life cycle of wood worm for some information.

Metric Tensor

OP - are you sure you have active woodworm? If the timber in your attic is at a reasonably low moisture content and is (at this stage 40 years old) it may be that what you see is the signs of "historic" woodworm that has long since fled the scene.

Paremon

893bet wrote: »

500 quid for a 20 year warranty!

A lot cheaper that spending 50 quid in woodies bit having to reroof it or take a reduced selling price if ye ever sell as the engineer reports woodworm etc.

Can't argue with that logic!

Paremon

tabby aspreme wrote: »

Wood worm need timber with a moisture content above 18% to survive, if you have a damp or condensation problem in your attic you need to sort that first or the wood worm will be back , research the life cycle of wood worm for some information.

The attic was extra warm recently with the warmer than normal weather (higher humidity). There are soffit vents but an insulation installer has advised that there isn't adequate ventilation in the attic & that this can promote moisture so they've recommended tile vents.