House longhorn beetle
(Hylotrupes bajulus)
Sometimes known as the 'Camberley beetle', the house longhorn beetle is very muhc larger than any of the other wood-boring insects found in the UK, at 25mm in length. It only occurs in a limited area in parts of the Home Counties, centering on Camberley in Surrey.
It attacks the sapwood of softwoods and is usually only found in rafters and purlins in attics and roof spaces. The large grubs destroy the timber completely, to the point of structural failure. However, attack often goes unnoticed because the grubs leave an intact veneer of sound wood on the surface. Exit holes 5-6mm in length or often filled with frass.
The life cycle is commonly between 3 and 11 years, but can be longer. Emergence of adults occurs between July and September and up to 200 eggs may be laid by each female.
Householders living in districts where this beetle is known to have established itself should inspect lofts and attics periodically and test the roof timbers with a stout knife or chisel.
The need to prevent the build-up and spread of this insect is so great that industrial pre-treatment of susceptible timbers, when used in areas where the beetle occurs, is mandatory under Building Regulations.
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