How to Keep Your Furniture Termite-Free

There’s nothing more dangerous than termites in wooden furniture. What makes it worse is that it is difficult to notice when the termites creep in.

Know Your Termite

There are two kinds of termites that can affect wooden furniture – subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites live in soil as well as wood while drywood termites only attack wood.

Identifying Termite

• Look out for holes in the woodwork. Tap or push against it with a pointed object. If it falls readily, then it’s a sure sign of termites in wooden furniture.
• Keep an eye out for sawdust, wood-colored termite droppings or wings around areas where chips or cracks appear on the furniture.
• Mud tube formations on the walls of the house are a sign of subterranean termites.

Tips for Getting Rid of Termites

Seeking professional help is a wise thing to do. But if the infestation is not severe, you can get rid of termites in wooden furniture with these tips:

1: Expose to Sunlight

Expose your furniture to sunlight often

Termites thrive in moist, dark conditions. Leave your wooden furniture in sunlight for 2-3 days continuously. Termites can’t stand the heat and die off easily. This method also helps get rid of the moisture in the furniture, thus preventing further infestation.

2: Make a Cardboard Trap 

Cardboard is made up of cellulose and a woody smell that termites can’t resist. Moisten it with water to make the smell more distinct and place it near the affected area. Within a few hours, the termites lure out to the open cardboard. Discard or burn it to get rid of termites in wooden furniture.

3: Spray Boric Acid

Keep your furniture clean and moisture-free

Make a solution of borax powder and water and spray it on the affected areas. It’s a non-toxic method and ensures termites in wooden furniture vanish after a few applications.

4: Oil Treatments

Oil treatment for further protection

Orange and neem oil are very effective as well. The former contains a compound called d-limonene and can easily kill termites when they come in contact. On the other hand, neem oil takes effect once ingested by the termites. Pour these oils or spray them over affected areas repeatedly for best results.

Prevention is always better than cure. Things you can do to prevent the onset of termite infestation:

• Ensure that your furniture is not exposed to the moisture of any kind.
• Apply aloe vera gel on wooden furniture every now and then as it acts as a protective covering.
• Invest in a wood polish and hire a professional to apply it for all your wooden furniture.
• Remove unwanted wooden items from your house as they are hotbeds for infestation.
• Get occasional chemical treatment done by professionals if you live in coastal cities.