How Can You Prevent Termite Infestations?

‘The smallest of things can cause the greatest damage.’

Whoever came up with this quote, was likely referring to termites. These small, innocuous creatures can cause extensive damage to wooden… furniture, wood and literally anything that contains wood-derived products, including paper, cardboard and plywood.

Some of us may have experienced a termite infestation forehand, whereas others may have heard of it. It is of utmost importance that we know and identify the signs of a termite infestation and take the necessary precautionary steps to prevent further damage. Before we dive head-on into these infestations, let us see what termites are and what they can do.

Termites: The Worst Enemy of Furniture

Termites are extremely small, blind organisms that live together in large colonies. Cellulose, the main component of wood, is one of the main things that these creatures feed on. They break down the wood and leave fine sawdust trails that can be damaging to furniture.

While one termite isn’t harmful in the short run, a colony comprising thousands of termites is nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen. Termites can eat surfaces, leaving behind hollow beds, tables, walls and even ceilings (if they are made of wood), leaving behind very weak structures that can collapse anytime. Therefore, termites are a huge safety hazard and need to be eliminated as quickly as possible at all costs.

Before we go into the signs of a termite infestation, be rest assured that the termites will not bite you or cause any disease directly. They only eat wood (and products made of wood), and you needn’t worry about getting bitten by them.

Four Major Signs of a Termite Infestation:

Termites do not cause damage very quickly. They take weeks, months and perhaps even years to damage a surface considerably. Hence, we need to be very observant and lookout for some of the telltale signs of the infestation. Here are the four major signs of an infestation.

1. Mud Trails:
   If you see a thin trail of mud, that is as wide as a pencil, running along the ground and walls of your house, it is likely that you are having a termite infestation. Worse yet, this is also an indication that the termite nest is nearby and you need to take action at the earliest possible instance.
2. Saw Dust on Furniture:
   If you open a cupboard or any other surface and see fine sawdust or sometimes even thick chunk pieces of wood, it is likely that these are the remnants of termite damage.
3. Stuck Doors and Windows:
   It is common to have doors and windows that won’t close during summer as the wood expands considerably. However, having doors and windows that won’t close, irrespective of the time of day or season, is an indication of termite infestation. The termites claw on the wood from inside and occupy spaces in these doors and windows, leading to the entire structure expanding.
4. Termite Swarms:
   Termite swarms can travel hundreds of metres. If you spot one near your house or workplace, you will likely be next! Hence, be careful and take note!

5 Steps to Prevent Termite Infestations:

It is said that prevention is always better than cure, and rightly so. Restoring furniture and other wooden articles after an infestation is time-consuming, effort-intensive and costly! Hence, here are 5 tips that you can use to prevent termite infestations in the long run.

1. Get Rid of Moisture:
   Moisture and wetness attract a myriad of pests, including termites into your home. If you live in a moist place, try to invest in a humidifier. If the furniture gets wet because of any reason, ensure that it is thoroughly treated and dried before being used again. If you have water seepage in your house, ensure that the seepage is fixed. At the very least, move the furniture away from all seepage.
2. Declutter your House:
   A cluttered house is a feast for termites! Ensure that you declutter your house on a regular basis. Remember to store documents in water proof, plastic folders. Throw away or recycle all unnecessary cardboard. Many of us may tend to hoard as we believe that the items will come in handy later. Remember buying new cardboard boxes is easier than getting rid of termites.
3. Do Pest Control on a Regular Basis:
   When you move into a house, or purchase any new furniture, first prime the wood with borate. Do pest control for the entire house a day or two before you move in. Gel based pest control should be used for all kitchen cabinets and furniture. Ensure that you do pest control once a year to keep the termites away!
4. Ensure Sufficient Distance Between Soil and Wood:
   Ensure that all wooden furniture is at least two feet away from the soil. By keeping the furniture at a distance, you can look out and identify the warning signs and take action easily.
5. Use Quality Furniture
   Poor quality furniture isn’t generally treated with proper pest repellants and this makes it particularly susceptible to termite infestations. Invest in quality furniture to ensure that your furniture isn’t easily infected by pests.

Types of Wood Susceptible to Termite Attacks

We often wrongly believe the notion that untreated wood is best. However, this is entirely wrong. Pressure-treating wood with preservatives helps in maintaining the longevity of the furniture. Therefore, processed woods are certainly more resistant to termites.

When it comes to the type of wood, wood from the core of the tree, known as heartwood, is more resistant to termite attacks than the wood found externally on the tree. Additionally, some trees such as redwood, cedar and cypress are naturally more resistant to timber than other woods.

Lately, composite wood structures made of a mix of plastic and wood are more resilient and structurally viable than pure wood.

Conclusion

Protecting your wooden furniture and preventing termite infestations is of utmost importance in maintaining the quality and structural integrity of your furniture. By selecting the right products, and ensuring that termites are kept at bay, you can avoid these pesky pests.