Fungal and insect attack

Fungal Growth and Insect Attack

Increased rainfall and warmer weather means that traditional buildings, particularly those which have issues with high internal moisture levels and damp problems are more likely to be prone to fungal growth and insect attack. This is because a lot of fungi and insects thrive in humid environments.

If your building is well-maintained, then this is unlikely to be a problem. However, buildings that are not so well maintained or have had inappropriate materials (for example cement) or poorly implemented deep retrofits, or lack of ventilation may be more susceptible to fungal growth or insect attack.

To reduce the risk of this happening to your property, it is important that you carry out the following:

• Regular maintenance

• Address ongoing damp issues

• If you insulate your building, make sure that you use breathable materials and employ a professional experienced with working on traditional and listed buildings.

Other considerations

If you need to undertake works to the roof or walls to deal with insect attack or fungal growth in your building, then you need to be aware of potential impacts on bats, nesting birds (also known as protected species) and whether the works will trigger a need to comply with the Building Regulations.

For more advice on protected species, please visit the Council’s page. If you need to employ an ecologist to help, then you should visit CIEEM.

For more advice on the Building Regulations, please visit the Council’s pages on this.

Further information

SPAB guidance on Wood-boring insects

Historic England Timber Treatments and Pest Control

New Forest District Council Damp, rot and insect attack

Fungal And Insect Attack - pdf - 135 Kb