Effects and risks of buying furniture with "visible woodworm holes"

Just noticed a Meeks set up for auction where in the condition report it mentions "visible wood worm".  Just wondering what you with more experience than me see as the risk of buying a piece with "visible woodworm", or is that the norm more than the exception in pieces of this age?  Also, somewhat worried about bringing a pest into my home to infest my other furniture---guess that many of these infestations are very old and no longer active, but how would you know?  Thanks.  Charles.

Not something I've run into before, but doing a few Googles turned up this article among others:
http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/woodworm.htm

Thanks for the link---after reading it, it is a little scary I would have to admit.  Charles

well, that article is a bit scarry however, when one considers that people have been known to "fake" wormholes in antique furniture to authenticate age on pieces it puts it in a better perspective. i would inquire as to the extent of wormholes from auction house, wormholes can be a good thing. i have an 18th century dower chest with some wormholes and they look fabulous, lol. my 2 cents

Thanks for helping me feel better about this.  I have asked around some of my local antiques friends and they say the same thing that you do.  Charles

I have seen this present in a few pieces of furniture over the years.  In all but one case the infestation was no longer active.  In that particular case I began to notice small piles of fine sawdust underneath the sideboard that eventually led me to the realization that bugs were feasting on the piece.  I removed the piece from my home immediately to prevent the critters from spreading elsewhere. 

I would be hesitant to knowingly purchase any piece with insect damage of this nature, as it can be very difficult to determine the extant of the damage internally, and it may not be readily appearent whether the infestation is still active.

Michael

Thanks Michael:  Good advice I would say! ;D