Death Watch Beetle

The Death Watch beetle is a wood boring beetle approximately 7 mm long with larvae growing up to 11mm long.

To attract mates, these woodborers create a tapping or ticking sound that can be heard in old building rafters during quiet summer nights. They are therefore associated with quiet, sleepless nights and are named for the vigil (watch) kept beside the dying or dead with the superstitious therefore naming it the Death Watch beetle.

The Death Watch beetle much prefers very damp conditions which are improved when there is some kind of fungal decay such as "wet rot" in the timbers. The beetle needs these conditions to develop rapidly.

Areas where the Death Watch Beetle is found

Virtually absent in Scotland, the Death Watch beetle prefers European hardwoods, especially oak, ash and chestnut; that has been "softened" with dry or wet rot. The larvae tend to tunnel towards the centre of the timber resulting in damage that may be more extensive than is apparent from the exterior. In the UK, this species is concentrated chiefly in southern/central England.

Find out more about woodworm

To find out more about woodworm and the Death Watch beetle, visit the following web pages:

• What is Woodworm: basic information about woodworm and other woodworm beetles
• Woodworm Tips: help and advice to ease your woodworm problem
• Woodworm Lifecycle: from larvae to beetle, understand the root of the problem and how the death watch beetle is affecting the wood in your property
• Woodworm Treatment: watch our woodworm video and find out how to eradicate the Death Watch beetle from your property

Contact Wise Property Care for Death Watch Beetle Advice

If you want to speak to someone regarding a problem you may have with woodworm or a Death Watch beetle infestation, Contact Wise Property Care today on 0800 65 22 678. Alternatively, use our Contact Form and we will organise one of our specialist to call and speak to you at a time convenient for yourself.