Termites are often called “silent destroyers.” They are known to inflict significant damage to wood furniture without noticeable warning signs.
They can weaken the structure of your furniture, causing lasting damage to your valuable pieces. Even worse? This might be the beginning of a much bigger issue. Keep reading to find out how to protect your furniture from these silent pests.
Key Takeaways
- Termite baits can help get rid of termites by attracting and poisoning them, which kills the whole colony over time.
- Boric acid or liquid termiticides can be sprayed on furniture to kill termites and keep them away.
- Putting furniture in sunlight or freezing it can kill termites naturally, especially for smaller pieces.
- Professional pest control is a good option when home treatments don’t work, with services like fumigation.
1. Use Termite Baits
Termite bait stations are a strategic approach for tackling infestations around infested furniture. They can attract termites using food sources with slow-acting active ingredients. Workers then carry the bait back to the termite colony, gradually killing the entire population.
2. Apply Boric Acid
Boric acid is a commonly used DIY termite treatment. When ingested, it disrupts their nervous systems. To use it, mix boric acid or borax powder with water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the infested furniture. Regular application may help in keeping termite infestations at bay.
3. Treat Furniture with Liquid Termiticides
Liquid termiticides can be a solution for tackling wood termite infestations in furniture. To kill or repel termites, spray the liquid on and around affected areas, such as cracks and joints. For optimal results, consider reapplying periodically to maintain long-term protection.
4. Expose Furniture to Sunlight
Sunlight can be devastating for any type of termite. Since these pests thrive in dark environments, infested furniture should be exposed to sunlight for several hours in midday heat. However, this method works best for small infestations and requires continuous monitoring.
5. Freeze the Infested Furniture
Freezing is another effective method, particularly for species like Eastern subterranean termites. If the infested furniture fits, place the furniture in a large freezer for at least 48 to 72 hours. This method works best for small pieces of furniture and may not be practical for larger items.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A TERMITE INFESTATION
As homeowners, you must identify termite signs to address infestations promptly. Here are various indicators and how to spot them:
| Signs of Termites | Description |
|---|---|
| Mud Tubes | Small tunnels made of mud, usually found on furniture exterior. |
| Termite Droppings | Also known as frass, might collect around baseboards or furniture legs. |
| Sawdust | Fine wood particles, usually indicative of drywood termite infestations. |
| Hollow-Sounding Wood | A hollow sound on woodwork surfaces may suggest internal termite damage |
HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE RE-INFESTATIONS IN FURNITURE
Preventing termite re-infestation in furniture needs a mix of DIY strategies. Consider these approaches to protect your home:
- Create Cardboard Traps: Cardboard traps are a simple DIY hack. Soak cardboard in water and place it near infested areas. Termites are attracted to the cellulose. Once they’ve gathered, the traps can be disposed of or burned.
- Apply Orange Oil: Orange oil is rich in d-limonene, which can kill termites when in contact. Applying it directly to termite-infested areas can help control minor infestations.
- Use Neem Oil: Neem oil acts as a growth inhibitor, stopping termites from reproducing. It can be a non-toxic option for preventing termites from spreading.
- Try Aloe Vera Gel: Although less common, aloe vera gel has been suggested as a termite deterrent. With its natural compounds, it is observed to disrupt termite behavior.
- Spray White Vinegar: Mix white vinegar with water, then spray it on affected areas. Its acidity weakens termites, making it a useful DIY solution for small infestations.
PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICES
When home remedies cannot prevent another infestation, consider hiring a pest control company. Professional termite exterminators can assess your home thoroughly.
Scheduling regular termite inspections helps identify potential infestations early. In some cases, intensive methods, such as heat treatment and fumigation, may be necessary.
Staying in touch with pest control experts is equally important. With continuous monitoring, your home remains pest-free without the frustration of recurring problems.
HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
If mud tubing is around or on furniture, it’s a warning sign of termite infestation. These pests construct tubes for shelter as they move from their colony to a food source, so contacting pest control is essential.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s termite control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about the areas we service, call today at 985-316-5652.