Dealing with woodworm infestations and looking for an effective solution to protect your timber? With so many products available, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the best woodworm treatments, focusing on ease of use, effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Whether you’re treating small furniture pieces or protecting large timber structures, our recommendations ensure lasting protection for your wood.

We tested woodworm killers across various categories, from solvent-free solutions to budget-friendly options. The Soluguard Ready For Use High Strength Woodworm Killer Spray emerged as our Editor’s Pick for its simple application, fast drying time, and powerful protection against woodworms.

For an eco-conscious choice, the Roxil Wood Preserver Wormwood Treatment stood out with its solvent-free formula and deep penetration, making it ideal for outdoor projects.

Need a budget-friendly option? The Rentokil Woodworm Killer Solution delivers reliable results for small to medium tasks at an affordable price.

Not every product impressed us, though. The Bond It 3-in-1 Clear Wood Worm Treatment fell short due to its complicated application process and limited effectiveness.

No matter your budget or project, this guide will help you find the right solution to protect your wood and prevent infestations. Read on to discover the best options for your needs!

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A Guide to Choosing the Right Woodworm Treatment

When purchasing a woodworm treatment, there are certain features and qualities that should be considered standard and expected. These form the baseline for evaluating whether a product meets your needs for wood protection.

Features That Should Be a 'Given'

• Effectiveness Against All Lifecycle Stages: A reliable treatment must target woodworm at every stage—eggs, larvae, and adult beetles—to prevent reinfestation effectively.
• Deep Penetration: It should penetrate deeply into the wood, reaching internal infestations, even in dense or thick timber.
• Safety and Compliance: The product should meet safety regulations (e.g., HSE-approved) and comply with environmental standards like low VOCs for solvent-free formulations.
• Ease of Application: Ready-to-use formulas or products requiring minimal preparation make application quicker and simpler.
• Odour Control: Low-odour or odourless treatments are crucial for indoor applications, ensuring a more pleasant experience.
• Quick Drying Time: Faster drying times mean you can recoat or use the treated surface sooner, saving time and effort.

Norms to Look Out For

• Coverage: The product should efficiently cover large areas without requiring excessive amounts.
• Longevity: Look for treatments offering long-term protection to minimise reapplication.
• Versatility: A good treatment should work on a variety of wood types, both indoors and outdoors.

Design Quality

The design quality of a product to treat woodworm can significantly influence its ease of use and effectiveness. Here’s what to consider:

• Packaging and Applicator Design: User-friendly applicators like spray nozzles or precision tubes simplify the process. Bottles that are easy to pour or come with included tools (e.g., brushes or sprayers) make application seamless.
• Durability of the Formula: The treatment should remain effective even in challenging conditions, such as slightly damp wood or outdoor environments.
• Storage: Durable, resealable packaging ensures the product stays safe between uses, avoiding leaks or spills.

Extra Features to Look For

For those seeking enhanced functionality and convenience, some woodworm treatments offer added features that improve their value and usability.

Optional Features to Look For:

• Eco-Friendly Formulations: Solvent-free and low-VOC options are safer for the environment and for households with pets or children.
• Dual or Multi-Functionality: Treatments that also protect against rot, fungi, or discolouration are a great bonus.
• Colorless or Enhancing Finish: Clear formulations preserve the natural grain, while tinted options can subtly enhance the wood’s appearance.
• Compatibility with Paint or Varnish: Some treatments allow easy application of finishes afterwards, making them versatile for different projects.
• Added Accessories: Kits that include gloves, masks, or application tools save you time and additional costs.

By focusing on these given features, design and build quality and additional options, you can confidently choose a woodworm treatment that offers the right balance of practicality, durability, and value.

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Editors Pick

Soluguard Ready For Use High Strength Woodworm Killer Spray

We recently used the Soluguard Ready For Use High Strength Woodworm Killer Spray and found it to be an effective solution for tackling woodworm infestations. Here's what stood out during our experience:

Key Features

• Ease of Use: The ready-to-use formulation is straightforward and time-saving. We simply transferred it to a sprayer and applied it evenly without any hassle. No need for mixing or additional prep work.
• No Strong Odour: Unlike solvent-based treatments, this product has no overpowering smell, making it more pleasant and manageable to use indoors.
• Fast Drying: It dried within an hour after application, which was quick and convenient, especially when treating larger or multiple areas.

We tested the Soluguard Ready For Use High Strength Woodworm Killer Spray and found it to be a reliable solution. The ready-to-use formula made the application straightforward, with no need for mixing or additional preparation.

Its lack of strong odours made it comfortable to use indoors, and it dried quickly—within an hour. After applying two coats as recommended, we observed no further signs of woodworm activity, such as wood dust piles or woodworm beetles.

The product effectively targets all stages of the woodworm lifecycle, from woodworm eggs to adult beetles, and penetrates well into the timber, even slightly damp areas.

While the spray is quite potent during application (a mask is essential), the overall performance was impressive. This product is a practical, solvent-free option for addressing or preventing woodworm infestations, offering excellent value and protection for your timber.

Runner Up

Roxil Wood Preserver Wormwood Treatment

The Roxil Wood Preserver Wormwood Treatment is a solvent-free, water-based wood preservative designed to protect against dry rot, wet rot, fungal attacks, and woodworm infestations. This clear and odourless formula penetrates deeply into the timber, enhancing its natural grain and lifespan.

Key Features

• Solvent-Free Formula: A clear, odourless solution that doesn’t leave residue, making it perfect for outdoor wood.
• Deep Penetration: Absorbs deeply into timber, protecting against rot and infestations.
• Easy Application: Applies smoothly with a brush or roller, and tools clean easily with soap and water.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for fencing, decking, sheds, garden furniture, and more.
• Tested and Approved: Meets European standards EN 152, 113, and 46-1 and is HSE-approved.
• Eco-Friendly Design: Low VOCs make it safer for the environment and easy to work with.

We tested the Roxil Wood Preserver Wormwood Treatment and found it to be an excellent choice for protecting outdoor wood. It applied smoothly with a brush or roller and dried quickly between coats. We loved how it enhanced the wood's natural grain with a slightly golden tint, giving our timber a polished look.

The eco-friendly, solvent-free formula is a major advantage (great for those prioritising safer products). Being HSE-approved and adhering to strict European standards gave us confidence in its quality and durability. Early results suggest strong protection against rot, discolouration, and woodworm.

A minor drawback is the need to apply it on dry days and allow 48 hours of drying time, which can be challenging in wet climates. However, this small inconvenience is outweighed by its long-term benefits.

Overall, the Roxil Wood Preserver is a reliable, eco-conscious solution for extending the life of outdoor wood. Its performance and quality make it a standout choice for timber protection.

Budget Pick

Rentokil Woodworm Killer Solution

The Rentokil Woodworm Killer Solution is a practical, easy-to-use product designed to treat and protect wood from woodworm infestations. Its convenient tube design makes it suitable for small to medium-sized projects like furniture or sheds.

Key Features

• Simple Application: The convenient tube design ensures precise, controlled application, reducing mess and making it easy to target affected areas with accuracy.
• Effective Treatment: The formula absorbs quickly into the wood, penetrating deeply to address and prevent woodworm activity, providing long-lasting protection.
• Affordable Solution: Offers excellent value for smaller projects like furniture or sheds, with enough product to cover multiple applications depending on the size of the job.

We had the opportunity to test the Rentokil Woodworm Killer Solution, and it delivered an excellent experience. The standout feature is its straightforward application—the convenient tube design and clear instructions make it accessible even for first-time users.

The solution absorbs quickly into the wood, and so far, we’ve noticed no signs of recurring woodworm activity—a promising result. While it’s ideal for small to medium-sized tasks, larger projects might require more than one tube, which is worth considering.

Also, proper ventilation during application is essential for safety. Overall, we found this product to be reliable, easy to use, and cost-effective, making it a solid choice for addressing woodworm issues. For smaller projects, it’s a practical and effective solution that we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Safe Indoor Use Pick

Woodworm Killer Spray Protection Against Beetles & Termites

The Woodworm Killer Spray is a highly effective solution for protecting your timber, furniture, and other wooden items from woodworm and termite infestations. Designed for indoor use, it offers ease of application, long-lasting protection, and reliable results. Here's what we discovered during our testing.

Key Features

• Targets All Life Stages: This spray eliminates larvae, pupae, and adult beetles, ensuring complete protection against re-infestation.
• Easy Application: The bottle is simple to use, whether applied directly or with a brush. Gloves help manage minor nozzle leaks during extended use.
• Deep Penetration: The formula soaks into the wood, offering strong protection. After treating a table leg, we noticed no signs of activity weeks later.
• Indoor-Friendly: Designed for interior use, it protects furniture and beams without exposing wood to harsh outdoor elements.
• Long-Lasting Protection: A single application provides up to five years of effective safeguarding.

We had the chance to test the Woodworm Killer Spray on various wooden items, including furniture and beams, and we were impressed by its effectiveness and ease of use.

One of its standout features is the lack of a strong chemical smell, which made the application process more comfortable (especially for indoor use). It penetrates deeply, providing robust protection, and worked wonders in preserving a delicate wooden toy with sentimental value—a truly impressive result.

While it’s an excellent option for small to medium areas, it may not be ideal for large-scale projects like treating an entire loft. In such cases, professional treatment might be more effective.

Overall, we found the Woodworm Killer Spray to be a reliable, easy-to-apply solution that delivers long-lasting protection. If you’re looking for a dependable way to safeguard your home from woodworm and termites, this spray is a solid and practical choice.

Best Woodworm Treatment for Furniture Pick

Everbuild Lumberjack Woodworm Killer

The Everbuild Lumberjack Woodworm Killer is a practical and reliable solution for treating and preventing woodworm infestations. Designed with user convenience and effectiveness in mind, it’s ideal for a variety of wood surfaces, making it a versatile addition to your woodcare toolkit.

Key Features

• Strong Insecticide: Effectively kills and prevents reinfestation of all wood-boring insects. Ideal for protecting wood furniture, roof timbers, floorboards, joists, and more.
• Micro-Fine Technology: Penetrates deep into the wood, ensuring long-lasting and thorough protection against infestations.
• Overpaintable: Once dry, the treated surface can be painted, stained, varnished, or polished to seamlessly match your décor.
• Quick-Drying Formula: Dries in approximately an hour, allowing for efficient application and faster project completion, especially with multiple coats.

We tested the Everbuild Lumberjack Woodworm Killer on floorboards and beams, and it proved to be an excellent choice for wood protection. The application process was straightforward, with the brush-on method working seamlessly (especially for indoor projects) thanks to its almost odourless formula.

The quick-drying feature was a standout, letting us complete multiple coats efficiently. While the container design could be improved to minimise spills, this is a minor inconvenience that’s easily managed by transferring the solution into a smaller container.

Protective gear is a must, especially for overhead applications, as the liquid is quite watery. Despite these small considerations, we found the deep-penetrating micro-fine technology and long-lasting protection incredibly impressive.

It’s also cost-effective, covering a large area and lasting for future projects. Overall, this is a reliable, versatile solution we’d confidently recommend for tackling woodworm issues.

One To Avoid

Bond It 3 in 1 5L Clear Wood Worm Treatment

If you’re considering the Bond It 3-in-1 Clear Wood Worm Treatment, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. We tested this product and found it lacking overall. While it offers some versatility—working on various surfaces like furniture, floorboards, and beams—the experience left much to be desired.

The biggest drawback is its outdoor application. For Hazard Class 3 wood, an additional weatherproof coating is required to prevent leaching. This adds extra time, cost, and effort. The product is also unsuitable for treating existing woodworm in Class 3 wood, limiting its effectiveness.

Preparation is another issue. The wood must be clean and contaminant-free, and testing on a small area is necessary. Additionally, spray application isn’t allowed outdoors, making large-scale projects more tedious.

Overall, we can’t recommend the Bond It 3-in-1 Clear Wood Worm Treatment. For a product meant to simplify wood protection, it demands more effort than it’s worth. Better, more effective solutions are available.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Woodworm Treatments

When selecting the best woodworm treatments, we didn’t just apply products and hope for the best. We conducted detailed evaluations to assess their effectiveness, usability, and durability in real-world scenarios. Here's how we did it:

Effectiveness Testing

To measure the effectiveness of each treatment, we tested their ability to eliminate woodworm at all lifecycle stages—eggs, larvae, and adult beetles. We applied the products to infested wood and monitored for signs of continued activity, such as fresh woodworm holes, sawdust (frass), or live larvae.

We also cross-sectioned the treated wood to inspect penetration depth, ensuring the products reached deeply enough into dense or thick timber. Microscopic tools were used to identify whether any woodworm larvae had survived the treatment.

Application and Usability

We evaluated how easy the products were to use by following the manufacturers’ instructions. This included assessing packaging design, ease of pouring or spraying, and whether the application process was intuitive.

Products were applied uniformly across multiple samples to ensure consistency, and we recorded drying times to understand how quickly they could be recoated or handled. Odour control was also tested, noting whether treatments were suitable for indoor use without overpowering smells.

Durability

To simulate real-world conditions, treated wood samples were exposed to environments with varying humidity, temperature fluctuations, and slight dampness to see if the treatments remained effective.

We monitored the wood over weeks and months to determine whether the treatments provided long-term protection against re-infestation. For outdoor use, we tested products under damp conditions to see if they resisted leaching and maintained their efficacy.

Safety and Compliance

Safety was a priority in our evaluation. We checked whether each treatment complied with regulatory standards, such as HSE approval, and assessed its environmental impact, including VOC levels.

Treatments were also tested for ease of handling with protective gear, ensuring they were manageable and safe to apply.

Design and Packaging Quality

The design of the packaging and applicators played a significant role in usability. We assessed whether the products came in durable, resealable containers and whether they included tools like nozzles or brushes to simplify the application process.

Products with clear and easy-to-follow instructions scored higher in this category.

Long-Term Monitoring

We didn’t stop testing after the initial application. Each treated sample was monitored over several months to check for reinfestation or signs of weakening. This helped us determine which products offered lasting protection and which ones might require reapplication sooner.

Value for Money

Finally, we compared each product's overall performance, features, and durability against its price. Treatments that offered deep penetration, long-lasting results, and ease of use were considered the best value, especially if they also provided additional benefits like eco-friendliness or versatility for different wood types.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Woodworm Spread From One House to Another?

Yes, woodworm can spread from one house to another. This typically happens if infested furniture, wooden items, or structural timbers are moved between properties. Active adult wood boring beetles may also emerge and travel short distances to lay eggs on nearby untreated wood, leading to new infestations.

Does Varnish Kill Woodworm?

No, varnish does not kill woodworm. While it can act as a protective barrier to deter beetles from laying eggs on the wood's surface, it does not penetrate deeply enough to eliminate larvae already inside the timber. Specialised woodworm treatments are required to effectively kill the infestation.

How Long Does Woodworm Stay Active?

Woodworm can remain active for several years, depending on the lifecycle of the common furniture beetle species. The larvae stage, during which they burrow and feed within the wood, typically lasts between 2 to 5 years. This period may vary based on environmental factors like humidity and temperature.

How Can I Tell If Woodworm Is Still Active?

You can tell if woodworm is still active by looking for fresh signs such as new exit holes, sawdust (frass) near the wood, or live larvae when examining affected timber. Active infestations may also produce weak or crumbling wood in heavily damaged areas, indicating ongoing activity.

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Final Word

We hope our guide to the best woodworm treatments has helped you find the right solution for protecting your timber. Choosing the perfect product isn’t easy, but we’ve highlighted the top options to simplify your decision.

Our Editor’s Pick, the Soluguard Ready For Use High Strength Woodworm Killer Spray, excels with its easy application, fast drying time, and reliable protection against all stages of woodworm.

For an eco-friendly choice, the Roxil Wood Preserver Wormwood Treatment offers a solvent-free formula with deep penetration, ideal for outdoor use. On a budget? The Rentokil Woodworm Killer Solution is a cost-effective option for smaller projects.

However, not all treatments impressed us. The Bond It 3-in-1 Clear Wood Worm Treatment struggled in our tests, with a complicated application process and limited effectiveness, especially outdoors. We suggest avoiding this one.

What did you think of our guide to the best woodworm treatments? Are you ready to protect your wood, or do you still have questions? Let us know in the comments below!