Common furniture beetle and woodworm holes
The common furniture beetle, Anobium punctatum, can damage wooden furniture and other timber through larval feeding. The small round holes often seen in furniture are exit holes made by adult beetles. Norway's public health institute, FHI, describes holes of about 1 to 2 mm, but size alone does not reliably identify the species.
Old damage or active infestation?
Many old pieces have holes from infestations that ended long ago. Holes alone therefore do not prove living larvae are present. Fresh, pale frass and new holes warrant closer examination. However, old frass can fall out when furniture is moved. The Canadian Conservation Institute emphasises that continuing deposits beneath an undisturbed object are a more useful activity indicator than a single pile after handling.
Photograph signs with a scale and record date, location and any new deposits. Retain observations in a condition report. Keep a suspected infested object separate from other wooden items while the situation is assessed.
Preservation before treatment
Old surfaces and joints may be vulnerable. Do not fill holes, paint over evidence or choose heat, freezing or chemicals without assessing both the object and the problem. A conservator or appropriate pest specialist can help identify the insect, assess activity and determine suitable handling. See also conservation and restoration.
When arranging an OBA estate or household site visit, disclose holes and previous treatments before agreeing a move. Describe evidence carefully rather than claiming an infestation is active or finished from photographs alone.
