Woodworm/Capricorne Spraying ?

[Gabe]

I know this has been covered, probably to death, but please indulge me one more time.

We are in the process of buying an old, 1780, farmhouse in the Gers. The termite report is o.k. but mentions the possible presence of woodworm and Capricorn beetles, this being reasonably self evident at the property itself. We are looking to complete in June/July and will not be permanently relocating until Feb 2006.

With this in mind I would like ideas as to how to address the problem. I was thinking of just biting the bullet and spraying everything months before we move in to be on the safe side, but fear that this will be hard work, expensive and over the top (for info the house is 250m2 and the barns a little bigger). Also if we take this approach what happens to existing finishes on walls, tiles etc, you can't cover everything. To be honest from my own, untrained inspections it doesn't look to bad, and I am not bothered by a few holes (comes with the territory), but equally I do not want the roof to fall in (it is a nice one). All comments gratefully received.

Gabe

[Poolguy]

Hi Gabe

Lucky you.. buying a grand old Maison d Gers.

I'd have to say that your problem is not uncommon and not unknown to the French. Look in the phone directory and get a Professional pest extermination inspection/devis.

Doing this yourself will probably not solve the problem (if there is one). Professionals generally know how to get at the source of the infestation and finish it completely. Spreading a bit of spray around will probably do little or nothing - it'll do you and your family more harm than the bugs.

Andrew

[Dave&Olive]

hi

 we have the little blighters too, done a bit of research and best time to treat is march this is when the grubs turn in to flies and reinfest the wood work .

            the " stuff " used to kill them is available every where in France but it is highly toxic and remains so for at least 24 hours after you use it .

             so if you diy it get a proper mask not the norm diy one and stay somewhere else for the next few days , and rem your pets, or get a firm in but they are expensive

 

                 dave

[ChezShells]

I did ours last sept just to make sure (only been here since June), and its toxic??  i never had a mask on!!

hang on, let me clear my throat........

really? ive got some left im gonna use up this week, have to say that the cellar did fill up with fumes

[Chas]

We have lots of beams and have just had ours done professionally by Pellin, a large national company.  Rather than spraying they drilled small holes about every 20 cms and inserted a "beam coloured" plastic plug through which they then injected the liquid.  Everything was covered with plastic sheeting and we did not need to vacate the house. The main mess was sawdust from the drilling, some of which escaped but it was cleaned up fairly efficiently. The plugs are hardly noticeable, we now have peace of mind and the treatment comes with a 10 year guarantee, which is transferable if we sell the house.  Total cost  just under €1900.  

[bigjimbishop]

If you use Xylophane where can you buy the right mask?

I believe it's nasty stuff

[Ron Avery]

[quote]If you use Xylophane where can you buy the right mask? I believe it's nasty stuff[/quote]

Where does all this toxic and nasty stuff come from, its toxic of you drink it  Do you really think the French are silly enough to sell "toxic" products in Bricos.

Xylophane is no more toxic than any water based UK woodworm killer, and like all D-I-Y products is quite safe if used sensibly and in accordance with the instructions.  You certainly do not need a spacesuit to use it.

The problem with treating woodworm/capricorn is getting the treatment to the problem most UK beams and floorboards are soft wood and absorb the treatment much more easily.

You can get it pressure sprayed by a specialist wood treatment company might be worth considering for a widespread infestation, but for what they do many are as overpriced as in the UK.

You can spray Xylophane with a spray bottle, garden spray or paint it on, the number of coats depends on the usage, prevention/removal etc.  It should be used in a ventilated room and continuous contact with the skin is not recommended so watch run off and wear rubber gloves and if getting close to the spary, a dust mask.  If you have capricorn, it normally likes bark wood,  remove the infested wood as far as you can and give it three or four good soakings, some penetrative holes in inconspicuous places should help   Xylophane is virtually odourless after a few hours.

 

[Iceni]

Thanks Ron for bringing some sanity back to all this.

Take care, be sensible and you should be OK.

By the way, this from a woman who will not eat farmed salmon

[Gabe]

Thanks everybody, this all helps. I am particularly interested in Chas' reply as 1900 euros is cheaper than I thought it would be, if done professionally. As we are not moving until after Christmas, I could do it now and any smell would be gone by the time we relocate. I think my biggest concern with doing it myself is knowing if I am actually achieving anything. How do you know when you have applied enough coats etc.

Chas, out of interest (if you don't mind me asking) how big was your job, surface area that type of thing.

Once again thanks everybody

Gabe

[Dog]

[quote]Where does all this toxic and nasty stuff come from, its toxic of you drink it Do you really think the French are silly enough to sell "toxic" products in Bricos. Xylophane is no more toxic than an...[/quote]

????

If it kills it kills.