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Drywood termites can penetrate deep into the furniture and eat into the wood. The first signs of a termite infestation include traces of powdered wood around the wooden furniture, mud tubes on the walls and a hollow sound when one taps the wooden furniture. Therefore it is important to inspect the wooden furniture regularly because the biggest disadvantage is that a termite infestation gets detected only after they have set up large colonies and caused immense damage.
A termite attack can be prevented by getting periodic pest control done, every one or two years. However, if there is a termite infestation within your home then bring in a professional pest control exterminator who will combat the issue using chemicals or fumigation. You can also purchase anti-termite chemicals from the market and apply it directly on the infected furniture. These chemicals should be handled carefully as they are poisonous and emit strong odours.
Get pest control done regularly at home to keep termites at bay. Photo credit: Cathal Mac an Bheatha/ Unsplash
Always use a dry microfibre cloth instead of water to clean the wooden furniture. Additionally, ensure good ventilation so as to get rid of excess moisture from the home, fix leaking pipes and repair damp walls because dark and moisture-laden areas are ideal for the termites to thrive. Do not keep wooden furniture in the outdoors especially in the lawn because termites can enter into the wood directly from the soil.
Certain wood polishes have termite-resistant properties and are effective in protecting the wooden furniture. These polishes create a hard and glossy coat which protects and preserves wood.
If the wooden furniture is infected with termites, then expose the furniture to strong sunlight for at least 3 days. Sunlight not only dries the wooden furniture but also kills the termites.
Sunlight helps kill termites and pests. Photo credit: Talles Alves/ Unsplash
Extract natural aloe-vera gel from an aloe-vera leaf and rub it all over the wooden furniture. The aloe-vera gel creates a thick barrier which the termites are unable to cross.
Mix four parts olive oil with one part white vinegar and apply it evenly on the wooden furniture to repel termites.
Natural oils like orange oil and neem oil can be used to control termites. Orange oil contains a compound called d-limonene which comes in contact with termites and kills them. Neem oil should be applied repeatedly on the wooden furniture till the termite colonies are completely destroyed.
Mix 1 spoon borax powder with 250 ml warm water and spray it on the termite infested wooden furniture. Wear a mask while handling borax as it releases harmful gases.
If there are only small patches of a termite infestation on the furniture then sprinkle salt on the affected area. You can also fill a syringe with equal parts salt with warm water and inject it into the holes of the infected furniture.
Apply natural oil or even salt on the furniture piece to rid it of termites. Photo credit: Sven Brandsma/ Unsplash
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