It is thought that nearly half the buildings in Britain have active wood boring insect infestation. Effective treatment requires expert diagnosis of the problem. Here are some of the more common insects

The cellulose in timber provides food for a number of wood rotting fungi. As they feed, the structure of the wood deteriorates until it becomes brittle and useless. It is important to treat the problem as quickly as possible according to the type of fungus involved.

True Dry Rot fungus is a most rapidly spreading and serious form of attack on timber.
It requires a moisture content in wood of 20-25% and, in conditions of poor ventilation, can spread its fine greyish threads many feet in just a few months. Attacks are often concealed behind brickwork and plaster becoming well established before visible evidence appears.
Attacked wood becomes discoloured and brittle and as it dries out eventually crumbles into dry brittle blocks.

There are several species of Wet Rot fungus, but all require a moisture content in wood of between 40-60%. Removal of the dampness will stop all further fungal growth and since it does not actually spread over bricks or plaster it is much easier to control than DRY ROT. However, since at 20-25% moisture levels wood is vulnerable to DRY ROT fungi, fungicidal treatment is an essential safeguard.