Here in Malaysia, we all have different types of furniture at our homes and offices and termite infestation is one of the most terrible and ruinous things that can ever happen to your furniture. Whether you have expensive antique or classical wooden furniture, a termite infestation can ruin your precious furniture in no time.
So what’s next? Should you surrender and leave your furniture at the mercy of those termites? Absolutely No! If your furniture is under attack by termites and you have no idea about how to get rid of termites in furniture, don’t worry because we are going to teach you all the effective methods to defeat termites in wood furniture.
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Types of termites
Before dealing with termites, you have to understand their types, abilities, and mode of action. Generally, subterranean termites and and dry wood termites are the 2 types of common termites found.
- Subterranean termites: As the name shows, subterranean termites have the ability to live on soil and wood. They mostly live in a damp and moist environment where they can smoothly build their colonies. Therefore, subterranean termites usually reside under the house and damage the wooden foundations of the house.
- Dry Wood Termite: Dry wood termites as the name suggests, possess the ability to survive on dry wood. They do not need damp and moist environments to build their colonies. They can live inside dry wood like your precious furniture, doors, windows, walls, and sidings, etc.
Both types of termites mentioned above are dangerous for your furniture but dry wood termites are more lethal and dangerous than subterranean termites because they can reside and survive anywhere inside your house whereas subterranean termites can only survive in moist conditions.
Detect termite infestation
Timely detection of termite infestation is very crucial to prevent the termites from ruining your furniture. Here are a few ways that can help you detect termite infestation:
- Apply some pressure on the wood and if it falls or cracks easily then it is a sign of termite infestation.
- If there are a lot of holes in the wood, it is also a sign of termite detection.
- Accumulation of sand, dust, or powder-like termites near cracks and holes also symbolizes termite infestation.
- If there a lot of mud tubes on the walls of your house then it is a clear indication that subterranean termites have already stormed your house.
Use these tips to detect the termites and take timely action because once termites have eaten up your furniture, there would be no use in crying over spilled milk.
How to get rid of termites in wooden furniture?
If your furniture is infested by termites then you can follow the tips given below to get rid of termites in wood furniture:
Keep the Furniture in Sunlight
Just like any other thing in the world, termites also have a weakness and that is sunlight. You can exploit this weakness and use the sunlight as a weapon to get rid of termites in wooden furniture. As mentioned above, termites can survive in moist and damp conditions only and can’t bear the heat and intensity of sunlight. Therefore, place your furniture in sunlight for a few days and the termites will eventually die off. This is an effective and proven way to get rid of termites in wooden furniture.
Use a Cardboard Trap
You can also set up a cardboard trap to get rid of termites at all and once. Termites are attracted by the smell of wood and you can use this smell to lure them into your trap. Cardboard is made of cellulose and gives out a woody smell. So take cardboard and moisten it with water to amplify the woody smell. Place the cardboard near the infested furniture and the termites will leave your furniture and rush towards the cardboard due to its woody smell. Carefully discard or burn the cardboard to get rid of those termites forever.
Use Boric Acid Spray
You can also remove termites by applying boric acid to your furniture. Make a solution of water and borax powder and put it in a showering bottle and then sprinkle the boric acid solution over the infested area. Regularly apply this spray to your infested furniture and the termites will disappear. This is a non-toxic and effective method to get rid of termites in wooden furniture.
Get Parasitic Nematode
Parasitic nematodes are the worst nightmare for termites. They have the potential to kill the termite larvae within a day or two. You can get parasitic nematodes from any of your nearest nursery or online store.
Use Anti-Termite Substances
Termites can also be defeated by using anti-termite substances that have the ability to kill termites and inhibit their growth. For example, Orange and Neem oil are said to be very effective for getting rid of termites in wooden furniture. Oranges contain a compound called d-limonene that can kill the termites upon contact.
Keep the Wood Away from Soil
As we told you that termites love to live on moist and damp soil, therefore, you should keep your wood away from the soil. For example, if your house is made from wood then you should build it a distance of 18 inches away from your garden.
How to keep termites at bay?
It is always said that prevention is better than cure. Instead of trying all the hectic methods to get rid of termites in wooden furniture, you can simply keep them away by following the given tips:
- Moisture is a picnic spot for termites. Therefore, keep your furniture away from all sorts of moistness.
- Apply a protective covering of aloe vera gel on your used furniture. It will also keep the termites at bay.
- Keep your furniture healthy by regularly polishing it.
- Throw away all the unwanted furniture items because these items keep lying unattended in the corner of your room for years and become a feasible site for the termites to attack.
If there is a huge risk of termite infestation in your area then you should consider contacting a professional for chemical treatment. This option is best for people living in coastal areas that are prone to termite infestation.
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