20 April 2026
How to Identify Wood Borer Damage in Furniture
Old flight holes can sit on furniture for decades. Fresh powder is the sign that wood borers are still active.
Wood borer damage is identified from the timber, not from a general impression that a piece “looks old”. The useful clues are fresh dust, the shape of the holes and whether the wood underneath is still firm. Wood borer treatment is based on that distinction.
What to look for
Tap the timber gently. If a leg is soft or the veneer has lost its backing, the piece has gone beyond a few surface holes. That still does not mean every item in the room is lost.
- Fine, flour-like powder on the floor or a lower shelf, returning after you clean it.
- Small round exit holes on legs, rails and the underside of drawers.
- Corners or joints that crumble even though the polish looks intact.
- Several pieces in a closed, damp room showing the same fresh dust.
Old holes are not the same as a live infestation
Furniture can show flight holes from insects that left years ago. If no fresh dust appears over a few weeks of normal use, the piece may be inactive. Wiping the area and checking again is a simple test before you discard anything.
Termite damage looks different: mud, broad excavated galleries and sometimes swarm wings. If the door frame is hollow rather than peppered with round holes, ask for a termite inspection as well.
What to do with the piece meanwhile
Move actively dusting furniture away from other wood, and improve ventilation if the room is damp. Do not paint over fresh holes to hide them before an inspection. The dust pattern is part of the evidence.
IEPS inspects wooden furniture, doors and frames in Mumbai. Call 98672 64288 to describe the items.
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