One of the main reasons for the rapid deterioration of wooden structures and furniture is damage caused by house fungi or wood-boring beetles. These wood-destroying fungi and beetles inflict significant harm on the economy, making the fight against them absolutely necessary.
The primary culprits in the destruction of wood in buildings are fungi known as house fungi. The most commonly encountered types include the “true house fungus,” “film house fungus,” “white house fungus,” “shelf house fungus,” and “shaft fungus.” The columnar fungus is also frequently found in residential homes.
Fungi reproduce through microscopic single-celled formations called spores. When these spores land on wood, they germinate and penetrate its cells in the form of thin threads known as hyphae, which can only be seen under a microscope.
As the fungal hyphae develop within the wood cells, they initiate the rotting process, leading to the deterioration of the wood. It may turn a brownish color, develop deep cracks, and become soft and crumbly.
During the decay of wood, visible fungal formations appear on the surface, manifesting as films, cords, and fruiting bodies of various shapes and colors. A characteristic musty smell fills the room. Stains, cracks, and peeling plaster can be seen on walls and ceilings. Floorboards may warp, become unstable, and sag. The presence of house fungi is typically expected in areas where wood is consistently or periodically damp, as fungal growth generally occurs only in the presence of moisture.
Common sources of moisture include roof leaks, faulty plumbing, sewage, and heating systems, excessive dampness from mopping floors, watering plants, and frequent laundry with high evaporation. Storing large quantities of vegetables and pickles in poorly ventilated spaces can also lead to increased humidity in the air, which in turn affects the wood; such conditions are ripe for fungal proliferation.
One of the best measures to combat wood destruction by fungi is the timely identification and elimination of moisture sources, along with drying and ventilating affected areas.
To protect furniture and other household items from wood-boring beetles, various measures can be taken. The most accessible method is chemical treatment—injecting an antiseptic solution into the exit holes using a syringe. A syringe filled with a thick needle is inserted into each exit hole and filled with liquid to the brim. This method is used when the infestation is not extensive and the number of exit holes is minimal.
In cases with a significant number of exit holes, the surface of the item should be treated with antiseptic solutions twice a year (preferably in May or August) during the peak season for beetle activity. Each application should be repeated twice with a 1-2 day interval.
DDT mixed with light mineral oils (such as machine oil, oleonaphtha, or petroleum jelly) is recommended as an antiseptic solution, using 200 grams of DDT per liter of oil.
After treating the items with this method, the wood should be allowed to dry, and then all holes should be carefully filled with regular putty mixed with 10% DDT.
Beetles typically attack the unpainted or unvarnished surfaces of wooden furniture. If damage occurs on varnished surfaces, it is necessary to wipe the item with alcohol before applying the antiseptic solution to remove the paint or varnish and expose the wood. After the final antiseptic treatment and sealing of the exit holes with putty, the surface can be repainted or varnished.
If wood damage from beetles is discovered in an apartment, it is advisable to treat not only the affected items but also, as a preventive measure, to apply one of the mentioned antiseptic solutions to all unpainted wooden surfaces, especially the end surfaces of chair legs, musical instruments, and the unpainted backs of cabinets.