Borer Control Sydney

Protecting Valuable Timber from Borer Since 1991

Professional borer inspections and treatments help prevent ongoing damage to timber flooring, furniture, roof timbers and other timber features caused by wood-boring insects. Since 1991, Pestworks has helped homeowners and businesses across Sydney identify active borer infestations and protect valuable timber from further damage.

1300 664 844

Licensed & Insured
Locally Owned & Operated
Sydney-Wide Service
Satisfaction Guarantee
Safe for Kids & Pets
Same-Day Response
Flexible Prices
Up Front Quotes
No Hidden Costs
35 Years Industry Experience

Signs You May Have a Borer Infestation

Borers often remain hidden inside timber for years, making an infestation difficult to detect until damage becomes visible. Small, round exit holes, fine, powdery dust beneath affected timber, or weakened floorboards can all indicate active or previous borer activity. Because not
every exit hole means an active infestation, a professional inspection is the most reliable way
to determine whether treatment is required.

Furniture Beetle / Anobium Punctatum

Borer Damage In a Side Table

Woodworm

Do All Timber Borers Need Treatment?

Not always. In many cases, the borers have already completed their life cycle and left the timber years earlier. Treating inactive borer damage provides little benefit, so identifying whether an infestation is active is the first and most important step. We conduct thorough inspections to
determine whether treatment is necessary and recommend the most suitable solution for your property.

What Damage Do Borers Cause in Sydney Homes?

In Sydney, borers are most commonly found damaging timber flooring, furniture and other timber features in older homes. While they can also be present in roof timbers, serious structural damage is uncommon in the borer infestations we typically encounter. Even so, active
borers can continue damaging timber over time, making early identification and treatment
important to help prevent further deterioration.

How We Treat Active Borer Infestations

Because every borer infestation is different, we start with a detailed inspection to determine whether the activity is ongoing and to assess how far the damage has progressed. Once we’ve identified the affected timber and the species involved, we select the most appropriate treatment for the situation.

Depending on the type of timber, its condition and accessibility, wood borer treatment may involve the application of professional timber preservatives, targeted insecticidal treatments or a combination of methods designed to eliminate active borers and help protect the timber from further attack. Where practical, we also provide advice on reducing the conditions that may contribute to future infestations.

Our focus is not simply to treat visible signs of borer activity, but to recommend the most appropriate treatment for the infestation and the affected timber.

Common Timber Borers Found in Sydney

Several species of timber borers are found in Sydney, with each preferring different types of timber and requiring different treatment approaches. While homeowners often refer to them simply as “wood borers,” correctly identifying the species is important for determining whether an
infestation is active and for selecting the most appropriate treatment.

The timber borers we most commonly encounter include:

Often found in older furniture and seasoned softwoods, these borers leave small, round exit holes and fine powdery dust as they complete their life cycle.

These borers attack seasoned hardwoods and are commonly associated with timber flooring, joinery and furniture manufactured from susceptible hardwood species.

Less commonly encountered, longhorn borers are generally associated with larger timber sections. The size of their exit holes and the timber they infest often differ from those of other borer species.

Correctly identifying the species is only part of the process. We also determine whether the infestation is active before recommending treatment. This ensures you receive honest advice and only the treatment that’s genuinely needed.

What More Than 35 Years of Borer Control Has Taught Us

Over the years, we’ve learned that not every exit hole means an active infestation, and not every infestation requires treatment. In many cases, borers have completed their life cycle long before the damage is discovered.

That’s why we never recommend treatment based on appearance alone. We first determine whether the infestation is active, identify the species involved and assess the condition of the affected timber before recommending the most appropriate solution.

Our approach has always been simple: identify the problem correctly, recommend treatment only when it’s genuinely needed, and provide honest advice every step of the way.

Concerned About Borers in Your Home?

If you’ve noticed tiny pin holes, fine powder or damaged timber, arrange a professional inspection before deciding on treatment.
We’ll determine whether the infestation is active, assess the condition of the affected timber and recommend
treatment only when it’s genuinely needed

FOR PEACE OF MIND

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FAQ Section – Bolder Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Do all borer holes mean the infestation is active? >

No. In many cases, the borers have already completed their life cycle and left the timber years before the damage is discovered. While fresh exit holes and fine powder may indicate recent activity, the only reliable way to determine whether an infestation is active is through a professional inspection.

+ Can borers spread to other timber? >

It depends on the borer species and whether the infestation is still active. Some borers may reinfest suitable timber nearby, while others complete their life cycle and disappear. A professional inspection can determine whether there’s evidence of ongoing activity and whether treatment is recommended.

+ Can damaged timber be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? >

That will depend on how severe the damage is. Minor borer damage may not affect the timber’s strength, while heavily damaged flooring, furniture or timber features may require repair or replacement. If an active infestation is present, treatment should usually be completed before any repairs are carried out.

+ Can I treat borers myself? >

Most DIY wood borer treatments rarely reach borers developing deep inside the timber. More importantly, many infestations are no longer active, meaning treatment may not be necessary. A professional inspection can determine whether treatment is required and recommend the most appropriate solution.

+ How long does a professional borer treatment take? >

The time required depends on the size of the infestation, the type of timber involved and the treatment method being used. Following an inspection, we’ll explain the recommended treatment and provide an estimate of the time required to complete the work.

+ Is borer treatment safe? >

When applied correctly using approved professional products, borer treatments are safe for your family and pets. We’ll explain any necessary precautions before treatment and provide clear instructions for re-entering treated areas, if required.

+ Do you service all areas of Sydney? >

Yes. Pestworks provides professional borer inspections and treatments for homes and businesses throughout Sydney. Contact us to discuss your borer concerns or arrange an inspection.