Termites in Wooden Furniture

Termites can be a huge nuisance for homeowners, especially when they start feasting on your wooden furniture. Did you know that a full colony of termites can consume up to 300 grams of wood per day? That means if you have 100 kg of wooden furniture, they could destroy it all in just one year! So, if you want to protect your furniture and your home from these pesky pests, it’s essential to learn how to remove them. In this article, we’ll discuss how to remove termites from wooden furniture, including some natural home remedies and professional pest control services.

Types of Wood-Destroying Termites

Typically, you will find two types of termites in Perth. Some of these are of more concern than others, so we’ve listed these for you below.

• Subterranean Termites: These termites spread through both flying and tunnelling so once you find an infestation these are likely to spread to other parts of your property. As the name suggest, these termites build their nests underground and can cause serious damage to your buildings and wooden structures. They are the most destructive type of termite and the most commonly found in Perth. If you find these we strongly encourage you to take action as soon as possible.
• Dampwood Termites: These are some of Australia’s largest termites, growing up to 15mm in size. These termites are generally not an issue for the home as they are attracted to moist wood and prefer to build their nests in damp areas, and feeding on rotting timber. The only time they can be of serious concern is in water damaged or flood prone areas.

It depends on various factors such as the location of your home, the type of wood used, and the climate. However, in general, subterranean termites are the most common type of termites to attack homes.

They build their colonies underground and can easily access wooden structures in contact with soil. It’s essential to have regular termite inspections to detect and prevent any termite infestations in your home.

Identifying a Termite Infestation

Identifying a termite infestation can be difficult, as the signs of infestation may not be immediately visible. However, some signs to look out for include the presence of mud tubes or tunnels on walls, ceilings or foundations, hollow or damaged wood, discarded wings, and visible live termites.

Other indications may include buckling paint or laminate flooring, tiny holes in drywall or plaster, and the presence of termite droppings. If you suspect a termite infestation, it is important to contact a professional pest control company for a thorough inspection and treatment plan.

How to Remove Termites from Wooden Furniture?

Termites inside wooden furniture can render it useless and unattractive. Here are some natural home remedies to get rid of them:

Decrease Moisture

Termites need moisture to survive, so decreasing moisture in the furniture can force them to leave or die. Simply put the infested furniture in the sunlight to evaporate all the moisture.

Orange Peel Oil

This is the best natural remedy for removing termites. Extracted from orange peels, apply the oil to the entire furniture, and all the termites will die within a few hours. However, be careful as orange peel oil is flammable.
Electronic Control: You can use electronic termite control to make them disappear by using high voltage current (90,000 volts). It’s an effective method, but it can be very dangerous. So, make sure you’re safe before trying this method.

Liquid Nitrogen

Termites can’t tolerate temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius. So, applying liquid nitrogen (-200 degrees Celsius) to the furniture will freeze and kill them

Spray Mixture of Essential Oils and Water

Mix essential oils like garlic oil, cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, clove bud oil, etc. with water and spray the solution on affected timber to deter termites.

Lure Away Termites with a Cardboard Trap

Place pieces of wet cardboard or a box of wet cardboard near the affected furniture to attract and trap termites. Once most of the termites are in the cardboard, get rid of them.

Expose the Furniture to Sunlight

Set your furniture out in the sunlight for a couple of days to force termites out. Termites require a cozy space to live, and exposing them to heat will make them run out of the furniture.

Get Professional Pest Inspection and Control Services

If you’re unsure about how to remove termites from wooden furniture, it’s best to seek professional help. Pest Inspections Perth is a leading company in pest control services in Perth, Western Australia. Their team of well-trained and certified experts can provide termite inspection and treatment services to protect your furniture and home from termite infestations.

Conclusion

Termites can be destructive pests that ruin your wooden furniture, but with the right knowledge and action, you can remove them and protect your home. Use the natural home remedies mentioned above or seek professional pest control services to keep your home termite-free.