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Talkback: Death-watch beetles

Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
in Talkback
I used to hear death-watch beetles in my 1820s town terrace house. I'd only hear them in March and April and was told that the tapping was one seeking out a mate. I haven't heard them for the last couple of years - maybe they've moved further down the terrace, or maybe my hearing's deteriorated!
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  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I too have some death watch beetles but how do you find them when they are in some inacessable spot that cant be reached without tearing parts of the house apart?Any handy hints?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Fasinating! I wondered what the noise was when I was in a similar situation in a holiday house! At least I don't have to worry about it falling around my head...
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I put my hoover on 'max' and try and suck the adults out from between the cracks in the wood using the hose attachment.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    We have recently converted a barn and have Death watch beetle in the old oak beams. The knocking was eerie at first back in March hearing the mating calls but then the beetles appeared and died on exit from the oak. I am told this is normal because our heating will dry out the oak and the beetles will not survive. I am also informed that because of this we will not need to use insecticide. Does anyone know if this is so?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    two or threeyeays ago i saw one in an old elm? stump in my london garden.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Reply to Evs and Irene
    Central heating has done much to control death-watch. The beetles are associated with fungal growth in the timber when it is felled and cut into beams. Outdoor seasoning will firm up many timbers ready for building use, but once indoors, the constant drying effect of radiators probably alters the microhabitat in which fungus and beetles are developing. Added to this, once adult beetles emerge into the air, they rapidly dehydrate and die. The best place to find 'active' death-watch in a building is not to examine the timbers looking for beetles, but search around the carpet where it meets the skirting board for dead ones.

    Reply to Nicky
    The trouble with death-watch is that they DO live in inaccessible timbers, often in the very centre of structural beams and supports. This makes them difficult, or perhaps impossible to eradicate completely. The main thing is to monitor the situation year on year, and carry out the invasive building repairs only when really necessary. In the mean time, your central heating will be doing its bit to control them.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Thank goodness for central heating,after having some scirting board attached to the wall I suddenly found a pile of sawdust appear on the floor, I thought straight away of woodworm so quickly dashed out to buy something to rid the place of the evil little beastie, only hope it worked, must say I haven't come across any more so keeping my fingers crossed.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    As a long term viewer of GW I do wonder why the BBC I have looked forward to Friday evening where I can sit down and look at an informative relaxed gardening programme.Whilst time moves and there may be a need to reiew things, I do not see any advantage in the current programme format,this terrible 'whats hot or not'section - this is a waste of expensive air time, as I'm sure after speaking to friends and neighbours we all now feel the new style programme has lost the plot and we miss the warmth, humour and sound advice given by both Alan T and M Don.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    just found some orange beetles very much like a ladybird but more oblong and coloured only orange. has six legs and two antennae. They were feeding on a green leafed plant, unidentified.

    any clues??? location garden not far from river, stapleford nottinghamshire.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Reply to Captain Haddock

    I'll need a bit more of a description to identify your orange beetles. Length and width (in millimetres), any markings, colours of legs and antennae. Oh, and some description of the foodplant would help.
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