Elsewhere on this site you will find a short video about the death watch beetle. That can be a severe problem if you ignore it and it needs to be taken seriously. It will be made worse by using fillers and trying to hide it without dealing with the source of the moisture.
However, more frequently found by surveyors and homeowners is the common furniture beetle (anobium punctatum). This is sometimes called ‘wood worm’. You will see tiny holes in the wood, and if it is live you will find fresh saw dust. In severe situations this beetle can cause structural damage to roof structures, floor joists and floorboards. It is more likely to simply be an annoyance though and the risks of structural damage would be rare and only found in very severe cases.
The life-cycle of the beetle is very short (typically less than a year). Relying on the tried-and-tested methods of reducing moisture sources, especially humidity and condensation, can help. This is always the first option to try and can often be achieved through good ventilation. There will be some situations where the timber is very rich in sap and moisture reduction on its own may not be sufficient.
