Woodworm is a broad name used to cover wood boring insects i.e. insects that feed on timber. They are very small and not easily seen.

The first sign often noticed is small holes on the timber surface. These are known as flight holes and indicate that the insect has emerged from the timber (Life cycle egg - Larva, which does all the damage - Pupation, adults insect which bores its way out of the timber and lays eggs to start cycle again). The most common found is the Common Furniture Beetle (C.F.B.) which is generally transported property to property via infested furniture, hence the name Common Furniture Beetle

Dry rot is a fungus that feeds as nutrients within timber, the removal of these nutrients as a food source result in the structural integrity of the timber being reduced. The fungus originates in the foothills of the Himalayas - Nepal, where it can be found covering huge areas of ground feeding on decayed timber

No as with all wood decaying fungi, it must have a source of water although once established it can survive in relatively low moisture conditions

It can be, when first noticed it is often the tip of the iceberg. If you suspect an outbreak get professional help ASAP. The longer you wait the greater the potential damage

Yes. Wet rot is generally restricted to the area in which the water source is readily available. Dry rot however will pass through masonry, concrete etc. searching out additional food sources

No. The spores are present in everyones home as they are airborne. They only become a problem when the right conditions exist

It depends on the guarantee. The company guarantee is only as strong as the company issuing it. Our industry is renound for company failures with the average life expectancy being dramatically less than the guarantee term. 85% of companies advertising in the Newcastle edition of yellow pages in 1987 no longer exist - enough said. A number of insurance backed guarantees are offered - by chemical suppliers. Obtain a copy and read the small print - you may not be so keen to sign up. The guarantee I have complete faith in is the GPI insurance backed guarantee, which is a 20 year policy offered in addition to the companies guarantee for a single premium.