We match the method to the timber: injection for fixed structural members with long residual protection, heat for furniture and movables, and—where it fits the inspection—integrated timber-floor programmes (chemical treatment with sanding and refinishing, or lift-and-replace when boards or subfloor need it). Other options (fumigation, surface programmes, attic barriers) sit on their own quotes. Your written agreement always prevails.
National guarantees hub · Wood borer guarantee summary · Injection treatment (booking) · Flooring & decking
We map active flight holes, frass patterns, hollow-sounding boards, and whether the risk is structural, furniture, or both—then align the quote to the right toolkit. The exact beetle species can vary (furniture beetle, powderpost beetle, and others); we confirm signs and extent on site and scope treatment accordingly.
Glycol-borate injection is drilled on a grid (typically ~300 mm centres), pressured until the timber is saturated, then injection points are sealed—aimed at larvae inside beams, joists, and bearers. On exposed members, your quote may also include a protective seal or coating after treatment so surfaces are tidy and preserved; combined beam programmes are sometimes issued under our Buildvision construction line when carpentry and pest treatment are one scope. This route carries the standard two-year warranty on injected timber when sold as injection. Injection service page →
Thermally controlled chambers kill all life stages in antiques, furniture, and sensitive items without chemistry. Terms follow the heat contract—not the injection warranty. Heat treatment →
Surface treatments, borate programmes, or whole-structure fumigation may apply for certain scopes. Each is quoted separately with its own warranty language. Borate vs ProFume comparison →
Broad preventative sprays in attics or thatch-adjacent spaces may be offered as deterrence but do not carry the same guarantee as precision injection—your paperwork states which applies.
Decks and severely damaged boards can be rebuilt by our construction division alongside treatment. Flooring & decking →
Timber-floor remedial programme is one of our offerings when wood borers have attacked flooring: a single corrective scope that can include inspection and mapping, replacement of rotten or defective planks where needed, curative and preventative treatment to flooring, skirtings, and any exposed structural timber, then sanding and refinishing so coatings do not trap product at the surface. The culprits may be different wood-boring beetle species from job to job; we treat the infestation and the timber, not a textbook name. Where boards have little sanding life left or risk sits beneath the floor, we may recommend lifting the floor to expose and treat subfloor members—or full replacement with new treated pine—so a surface-only plan does not miss deeper activity. Buildvision is Verminator's Cape Town construction brand for this class of residential and commercial carpentry.
Guarantees: structural glycol-borate injection follows the standard injection warranty on quoted timber. Combined floor restoration jobs may carry separate written terms (for example, warranty wording that applies to treated floor planks only, not concealed structure you did not include in scope). Your quote and agreement always prevail.
Not every floor can be saved with a light sand and surface treatment. Where boards have been sanded many times, have almost no remaining thickness, or active risk likely extends into joists and bearers beneath, we may recommend removing the floor to expose and treat subfloor timber, or full replacement with new treated pine. On some properties we include a section trial (for example converting one room to an alternative build-up) when that is agreed in writing. Anything not named on the quote—beam replacement, specialist bracing, cupboard moves—stays out of scope until separately agreed.
Clients usually clear furniture from affected rooms, cover or protect items where dust from sanding could settle, and keep access routes open. Floor programmes often run in phases: sanding and treatment, then a drying window before seal coats or varnish, then a return visit where quoted. Humidity, ventilation, and occupation can extend drying—your agreement lists cooperation and commercial terms. If opening the floor reveals rot or infestation beyond what was visible at inspection, we pause and revise scope with you.
Inspect second-hand timber, favour SABS-treated stock where appropriate, and fix leaks—moist wood invites reinfestation even after a solid treatment.
Short-term emergence of dead beetles after injection can be normal. Persistent new holes in treated timber during the warranty window should be reported per your agreement.
Standard structural timber injection programme: two years written guarantee on the timber that receives injection under your quoted scope when we sell it as such—typically glycol-borate injection to saturation of named structural members. Integrated timber-floor remedial programmes (sand, treat, refinish, plank replacement, skirtings, subfloor access when quoted) and combined Buildvision construction scopes carry their own warranty language—often distinguishing treated floor planks from concealed structure, with drying and environmental conditions called out. Heat treatment for furniture and movables, whole-structure fumigation, surface-only programmes, and preventative attic barrier sprays follow their own written terms (some services, such as broad attic spray, may carry no warranty by design). We do not warrant timber we did not treat, concealed voids we could not access under the quote, or new introductions from untreated second-hand items. Moisture and leak management may be listed as cooperation for outcomes. Callbacks under the injection warranty are free within eligible scope per your agreement. Commercial and heritage scopes may differ—your paperwork prevails. Full wording: wood borer guarantees.
Untreated adjacent members, imported infested furniture, or concealed voids outside the quoted injection grid can present new activity. Cover follows the timber and methods named in your contract.
Follow technician re-entry guidance for injection and any ancillary sprays. General expectations: pest control safety.
Larvae tunnel inside timber. Injection moves product into the wood; heat penetrates movables. Surface-only plans may not reach feeding galleries—your quote names the method.
No. Heat jobs follow the heat treatment agreement. Injection carries the two-year structural warranty on treated timber when sold as injection.
Standard structural timber injection programme: two years written guarantee on the timber that receives injection under your quoted scope when we sell it as such—typically glycol-borate injection to saturation of named structural members. Integrated timber-floor remedial programmes (sand, treat, refinish, plank replacement, skirtings, subfloor access when quoted) and combined Buildvision construction scopes carry their own warranty language—often distinguishing treated floor planks from concealed structure, with drying and environmental conditions called out. Heat treatment for furniture and movables, whole-structure fumigation, surface-only programmes, and preventative attic barrier sprays follow their own written terms (some services, such as broad attic spray, may carry no warranty by design). We do not warrant timber we did not treat, concealed voids we could not access under the quote, or new introductions from untreated second-hand items. Moisture and leak management may be listed as cooperation for outcomes. Callbacks under the injection warranty are free within eligible scope per your agreement. Commercial and heritage scopes may differ—your paperwork prevails. Warranty callbacks for injection follow your written agreement when covered activity returns within the guarantee window on injected timber.
Classic exit holes and frass from wood-boring beetles. Book an inspection so we can map extent and recommend injection, heat, or a floor remedial programme where that is the right fix.
No. Furniture beetles, powderpost beetles, and other wood borers can produce similar signs; the exact species varies by site and timber. We confirm what matters operationally during inspection and match treatment to the scope—not a one-size label.
When boards have little sanding life left, or infestation is likely in subfloor beams we cannot reach without lifting the floor, a surface-only programme can miss the risk. We may recommend lift-and-treat, full replacement, or a quoted alternative build-up in one section—your proposal explains why.
Typical cooperation includes clearing furniture from work areas, protecting items from dust where we sand, and keeping the site accessible. Exact requirements are on your quote; multi-phase floor jobs include drying time before final varnish.
Quotes name treated members, methods, and which services carry a guarantee.
Case study
Wood borer treatment & beetle certificate — 1930s Cape Dutch heritage home, Constantia
60% of structural timber active Lyctus borer. Injection treatment preserved original timber. Beetle certificate issued for property transfer. 2-year structural guarantee.
Read the full case study →