Your wooden furniture might be costly but it is just food to eat for termites. This makes termites the most dangerous and expensive pests to have in your home. If untreated, the infestation can get severe and you might have to employ fumigation termite control to get rid of it. Hence, taking proper precautions can help you keep the termites away from your furniture.

Termites That Invade Furniture

Drywood termites mostly affect furniture and the termite infestation can go unnoticed for several months unless you pay special attention. Drywood termites do not rely on moisture and hence they can eat the furniture inside out without being spotted. 

While drywood termite infestation is common with furniture in damp environments or during monsoon season, subterranean termites can also infest the furniture. Mud tubes are the tell-tale signs of a subterranean termite infestation since they use them to move from one place to another. 

It is always important to keep your eye open for the possible signs of termite infestation. Apart from the mud tubes, you might also find discarded wings, frass, tunnel-like carvings and tiny holes in your furniture.

Tips to Keep Your Furniture Termite-Free

Treating the termite infestation is not an easy job. Only a termite control expert can fully analyze the problem and then provide a suitable solution. Hence, it is best to opt for preventive measures when you have the chance.

• Choose High-Quality Plywood Furniture

Whether you are buying the furniture or making it yourself, always go with high-quality plywood that is boiling water resistant (BWR). This chemically treated wood can resist moisture and consequently termites. There are even plywoods that are marketed to be termite-proof. 

You can also laminate the insides of your wardrobes and drawers since the extra layer will offer more protection against termites. 

• Use Termite-Resistant Polish

Once the furniture is built, you can ask the carpenter to coat it with a termite-resistant wood polish. Read the labels and choose the one that is non-toxic and odorless. These polishes have the ability to create a hard and glossy coat that will keep termites away.

After applying the coat, let the wood dry for about 6-8 hours and then finish it off with a veneer or laminate. 

If you have existing furniture that you need to protect from termites, then you will have to paint and polish it at least once in five years. You can choose the oil-based varnishes or go with the termite-resistant ones. This periodic coating will help keep termites away. 

• Avoid Moisture

Moisture attracts termites. Hence, make sure that the furniture is dry. Avoid keeping the furniture in dark and damp places. Ventilate your house well, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. 

Routinely check your home for any leaks or seepage. If found, repair them immediately. While dusting your furniture, use dry clothes. 

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Also Read: Termites Can Wreck Your Entire Home

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• Prevent Contact of Furniture with Soil

Soil contains moisture which increases the possibility of a termite attack. Avoid placing wooden furniture in direct contact with the soil. Instead, place them on concrete or tiled flooring.

• Expose Your Furniture to Sunlight

Sunlight works as a natural disinfectant and most importantly termites do not like light and heat. If you suspect an infestation, then try leaving the furniture out in strong sunlight for about two days. This will help drive the termites out and also get rid of the moisture. 

• Home Remedies

There are some solutions that you can use to drive out or prevent a termite infestation. 

• Borax solution can control termite infestation. 
• Aloe vera juice extracted from the plant can be rubbed over the furniture to keep away the termites. 
• A solution of one part of white vinegar with four parts of olive oil can be applied to the wood to repel termites.

Hi Tech Termite 

A termite infestation can grow fast and cost you a lot with termite damage repairs. Finding it early and employing the right treatment can help you avoid the damage. At Hi Tech Termite Control, we help inspect your home and provide termite treatments like non-fumigation termite control and fumigation termite control in Bay Area.