What is Woodworm?

Woodworm is a term commonly used to refer to the larvae of wood-boring beetles. These larvae feed on wood and can cause damage to wooden structures and furniture. The life cycle of a woodworm typically consists of several stages:

1. Egg: Adult wood-boring beetles lay their eggs in cracks, crevices, or pores on the surface of wood. The eggs are usually tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye.
2. Larva: After an incubation period, the eggs hatch, and the woodworm larvae emerge. The larvae are the destructive stage of the woodworm life cycle as they actively feed on the wood, tunneling through it as they grow. They have a creamy white, grub-like appearance with a small head and a segmented body.
3. Pupa: When the larvae have completed their feeding and growth stage, they usually burrow deeper into the wood or move to a nearby location to pupate. The pupal stage is a non-feeding stage during which the woodworm transforms into an adult beetle. The pupa is usually white or cream-colored and has a distinct shape.
4. Adult: After the pupal stage, the woodworm transforms into an adult beetle. The duration of this stage varies depending on the species of beetle. Once the transformation is complete, the adult beetle emerges from the wood through exit holes, leaving behind a fine powder known as frass. The adult beetles are typically small and have hard exoskeletons. They have wings and are capable of flying to find mates and new wood to lay eggs.

The life cycle of woodworms can take several years to complete, depending on environmental conditions and the species of beetle. It is worth noting that the term “woodworm” is often used to describe the larvae rather than the adult beetles themselves, as it is the larval stage that causes the most damage to wood.