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UK households have been urged to act quickly or risk paying thousands of pounds this season. It comes as an expert has warned that rising temperatures across the UK could have pushed the woodworm season forward, leaving homeowners less time to tackle the critters before the damage becomes costly.

Research compiled by home furnishing specialists Hillarys for the Spring Pest Invasion Index 2026 identifies the Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) as one of the highest-priority pest threats facing UK homes this spring, carrying the index's most severe Red rating.

The pests are known for causing severe property damage, including in floorboards, roof joists, and antique furniture, and for triggering issues during mortgage surveys and reducing property values.

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According to the experts, Victorian and Edwardian housing stock carries the highest risk nationwide, and treatment costs could range anywhere between £500 and over a huge £2,000.

Luke Newnes, gardening expert and garden influencer at Hillarys, said: "Warm springs are directly linked to earlier beetle emergence, but what makes this year particularly concerning is how quickly infestations can take hold before homeowners realise anything is wrong.

"By the time you start to see the small exit holes, the structural damage has often already been done inside the timber."

"This increases the likelihood of infestations being discovered late, often during surveys or renovations, when damage has already become expensive to repair.

Adult woodworm beetles typically emerge between April and September to mate and lay eggs. Though the Met Office has confirmed that 2026 is on track to be one of the four warmest years in global records, households are being urged to act fast, and with temperatures rising to up to 21C this Saturday, households should make their checks as soon as possible.

Mr Newness added: "The key this spring is early detection, checking loft spaces, floorboards and older furniture now can make the difference between a minor treatment and a much more expensive structural repair."