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I have a fruitwood dresser that has had woodworm and possibly death-watch beetle.

Submitted by Gill Dawson on 1 March 2010 - 10:16am

I have a fruitwood dresser that has had woodworm and possibly death-watch beetle. It's been treated twice but with little success. What do you recommend?
Michael Kitchen, by email.

Roger Hunt replies: The solution used by many museums and furniture restorers is provided by Thermo Lignum (020 8964 3964). Using 'only nautually occurring elements', the company eradicates insect pests and dry rot. Objects are enclosed in a chamber where they are monitored by sensors. To ensure the stability of moisture in the item the relative humidity is maintained within a narrow band (50-55%) throughout the heating cycle from room temperature up to 52°C/125°F and back. While Thermo Lignum does operate mobile treatment units, this is only financially viable for a large number of objects so your furniture will need to be taken to the company's chamber in London.

Find other furniture restorers and upholsterers in the Period Living directory.

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