Using high-resolution digital photography and micro-CT scanning to investigate Deathwatch Beetle damage to an historic timber from HMS Victory

Abstract

Wood-boring insects such as the deathwatch beetle can cause significant damage to historical artefacts and timbers, but the extent of internal damage (and tunnelling activity in general) can be difficult to understand and quantify without the use of destructive sampling techniques. This study explored the potential of high-resolution photography and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to investigate beetle activity and inform on the extent of internal damage to a timber from HMS Victory. Micro-CT imaging has allowed the visualisation of deathwatch beetle activity within the timber, revealing differences in tunnelling behaviour preferences for adult and larval forms. Digital techniques were developed to determine the surface area of flight holes on some wooden blocks but were less successful for those blocks where the external surfaces were darkened with age. It was not possible to accurately determine the internal volumes of beetle tunnels within blocks of timber due to the presence of frass, which was found to be virtually indistinguishable digitally from the wood matrix.