Woodworms, known in Italian as tarli del legno, are one of the most common and destructive pests that can affect wooden structures, furniture, and even artworks. Despite their name, woodworms aren’t actually worms—they’re the larvae of various beetle species that bore into wood as they feed and grow. Their presence can remain unnoticed for years until serious structural damage has already occurred.
If you’ve ever found tiny holes in furniture, fine sawdust under wooden beams, or heard faint crackling sounds inside walls, you may be dealing with a woodworm infestation. Understanding how these insects live, reproduce, and damage wood is the first step to protecting your property. Let’s explore how tarli del legno work and how to stop them effectively.
The Life Cycle of Woodworms
The life of a wood-boring beetle consists of four main stages: egg, larva (woodworm), pupa, and adult. Female beetles lay their eggs in cracks or pores of untreated wood. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow deep into the wood and begin to feed on cellulose, creating tunnels that weaken the structure from within. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on species and environmental conditions.
After maturing, the larvae transform into pupae, and eventually into adult beetles. The adults chew their way out, leaving behind the characteristic small round exit holes—visible signs that an infestation has already caused internal damage. The beetles then mate and lay new eggs, continuing the destructive cycle.
Why Woodworms (Tarli del Legno) Are So Destructive
The danger of tarli del legno lies in their silent activity. While termites feed on wood continuously, woodworms cause long-term, hidden damage that can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Over time, their tunneling weakens the wood’s integrity, making beams, furniture, and flooring unstable.
They particularly prefer damp, unprotected, or untreated wood. Antique furniture, old houses, and heritage buildings are especially vulnerable, as older wood tends to have the ideal level of moisture and nutrients for larvae development. Once established, infestations can spread from one object to another, especially in poorly ventilated environments.
Common Signs of Woodworm Infestation
- Small round holes on the wood surface (1–2 mm in diameter)
- Fine powder or sawdust (known as “frass”) under affected areas
- Soft or crumbling wood texture
- Visible tunnels under the surface when the wood is cut open
- Adult beetles emerging, especially in spring or summer
These signs are clear indicators that you should act quickly. The longer you wait, the deeper the larvae burrow and the harder it becomes to eradicate them.
Types of Woodworms (Tarli del Legno)
Several beetle species cause woodworm infestations. The most common ones include:
- Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum): Found across Europe, this species attacks both hardwood and softwood furniture.
- House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus): A serious threat to building structures, especially roof timbers and beams.
- Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum): Prefers old hardwood and is often found in historic buildings and churches.
Each type has specific characteristics, but they all share one thing in common: the ability to quietly destroy valuable wood over time.
How to Prevent Woodworm Infestations
Prevention is always better than treatment. To protect your home or furniture from tarli del legno, you can follow these best practices:
- Keep humidity levels low—woodworms thrive in damp environments.
- Inspect wooden items regularly for holes, dust, or discoloration.
- Apply protective wood treatments, oils, or varnishes that deter beetle eggs.
- Ensure good ventilation in attics, basements, and storage areas.
- Use professional woodworm prevention products, such as those from tarli del legno.
Effective Treatment Options
If an infestation is already active, don’t panic—there are several proven methods to stop it. Heat treatment is one of the most effective and eco-friendly solutions: by raising the temperature of the wood above 55°C, both larvae and eggs die. Alternatively, you can use professional woodworm treatment liquids that penetrate deeply into the wood to eliminate pests at all stages of life.
Modern solutions from tarli del legno combine chemical and physical protection in safe, efficient formulas that preserve the wood’s appearance while destroying infestations from the inside out.