Timber decay and woodworm

Why should flight holes in a piece of furniture not be written up as an attack on the floor joists?

Because the beetle left the holes in the piece it was in. Old furniture and willow baskets often have common furniture-beetle holes that say nothing about the joists. A surveyor should say where the holes were. If they only saw them in a chair, the floor has not been diagnosed.

Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.

What is the fuller explanation?

The Property Care Association’s timber advice is about the building’s wood and the moisture in it. Flight holes in sapwood of a floorboard are a building question. Holes in a mahogany table are a removals question. The survey cannot always see under stored items. “Evidence of wood-boring insect in the loft” should name the timber. If it does not, ask before you spray.

Spraying a house because a wardrobe has old holes is the sale the PCA approach is meant to avoid. Ask for the location. If the structural timber is bare and unmarked, say so in any quote request. There is no PCA national price for “whole house treatment”. A contractor who has seen the timbers can quote the areas that need it, if any.

What should you ask your surveyor?

Which timbers had holes: furniture, floorboards, or roof members?
Did you see fresh bore dust on structural timber?
Is the recommendation treatment, or only a note of old holes?

What are the typical next steps?

Move the conclusion to the timber that was actually marked. Ask if the report is vague.
Do not spray before that answer.
If structural timber is affected, ask a timber firm to say whether it is active and whether the section is still enough.

Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.

Also asked about this

Can beetles fly from a chair into a joist?

They need the right timber and, usually, moisture. A hole in a chair is not evidence they have done so. Look at the joist.

Are all small holes furniture beetle?

Common furniture beetle is the usual one in softwood. The survey is not an entomology lab. Fresh dust and the timber’s job matter more than the Latin name.