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One of the downsides of owning a piece of wood furniture is its vulnerability to termites. These insects burrow their way through wood and gradually eat away at it.
If left undetected, termites can cause significant damage to your furniture, making it necessary to replace your beloved piece.
In this article, we’ll mainly be covering information on drywood termites. Read on to learn about their characteristics and gain tips on how to detect and treat an infestation!
Drywood termites are named after their tendency to live and feed on dry wood such as mahogany, teak and chengal.
These creatures usually consume the cellulose across the grain of a wood. Such infestations can cause a substantial amount of damage to your furniture, and it could be dangerous to live in a house that is overrun with these pests.
Here’s how you can identify drywood termites.
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From damaged ceilings to the growth of mould and mildew, here are some signs that your house may be infested with drywood termites.
A damaged ceiling is often a clear indication that your house has drywood termites. Other signs that may be present include cracks and tiny holes appearing in the wood, and the presence of mould and frass (piles of sawdust and excrement).
The ceiling may also be discoloured and in more severe cases, sag. If you live in a landed house, check for broken or loose roof tiles as this may indicate that termites have chewed the ceiling.
If you suspect your home may be infested with termites, knock on the wood of larger pieces such as countertops or shelving units to see if it sounds hollow. A hollow sound might indicate that termites have burrowed inside.
In serious cases, the woods may become perforated and broken.
Drywood termites have a tendency to burrow their way into areas that are partially decayed by fungus. This may encourage the spread of mould and mildew, and these allergens could cause respiratory issues for people living in the house.
You may be able to find discarded wings, faeces or frass near furniture or areas where the termites have damaged.
If you live near a forested area, you may want to be on the lookout for swarms. Often, these creatures swarm after it rains and a rise in temperature occurs. This usually indicates that there is a new colony of termites and they are looking for a place to reside in.
Swarms can also originate from within the home, and you may see them indoors or near the structure of your house.
Here are some ways to get rid of drywood termites and stop them from causing more harm to your home.
Drywood termites dislike sunlight, so leaving your infested wooden chair out on a sunny day may help rid it of these pests.
Keep in mind that exposing wood to sunlight for long periods of time may cause some materials such as walnut wood to fade.
However, you can also consider applying specific oils to your wood, such as linseed oil, to keep termites out. Varnish is also a suitable option to protect your wood against termites and sunlight.
Another technique involves spraying olive oil and white vinegar on the furniture. Termites don’t like the smell of vinegar and will shy away from it.
Alternatively, you can wipe the solution on the wood with a soft fibre cloth.
Salt can be a simple yet effective way of dealing with termites in your home.
Termites are likely to die of dehydration when coming into contact with salt.
However, bear in mind that this mixture may damage the wood so you are recommended to only use it once.
Aloe vera gel is another natural remedy for termite infestations. It works by suffocating the termites and freezing them in place. It also makes the wood unappetising for any pests to consume.
Made from the fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms, diatomaceous earth is an organic powder that can kill termites.
If you're dealing with a termite infestation or other pest problem, boric acid could be a practical solution.
Be sure to avoid getting the boric acid wet, as moisture can reduce its effectiveness as a pesticide.
As prevention is often the best form of cure, here are some tips you can practice to keep the termites at bay.
Once a week, inspect your home for termites. Piles of sawdust, hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings are obvious signs of a termite infestation. In particular, you may want to pay attention to your windows and door frames, or any corners that these critters can hide in.
When working on a construction project, ensure that you use treated wood to prevent termite infestation. To avoid providing a potential breeding ground for termites on your property, you should properly dispose of any waste wood.
For example, waste wood that is still in good condition can be repurposed as garden decor or packaging materials. Recycling of waste wood at recycling centres is another way to reduce the amount of refuse at landfills.
Installing bait stations around the house can help to deal with infestations. These traps contain chemicals that will kill termites when consumed.
Rest assured that these traps are safe to have around the house, as they’re not poisonous to children and pets.
Consider using termite-resistant materials like pressure-treated wood or steel frames during renovations and house-building projects. Installing anti-termite structures during the construction process will provide immediate and long-term protection to your home.
Place fitted mesh screens on all openings of the house such as doors, windows and vents. If you live in landed property, pay special attention to those areas that have crawl spaces such as the basement or attic.
You may want to seal up any unfinished wood using a varnish or sealant. Try to ensure that all cracks and openings such as nail holes are sealed as this will prevent any termites from burrowing into the wood.
If your infestation has worsened and home remedies are insufficient, it might be time to consult an exterminator. Here’s what to look out for when choosing one.
Drywood termites are not dangerous as they do not bite or transmit diseases to people. However, they are pests that can cause significant damage to furniture such as wooden tables.
During the early stages of an infestation, drywood termites are not difficult to get rid of. Home remedies such as spraying olive oil and vinegar onto the affected piece of furniture can eliminate them. You can also dry out the piece of furniture in sunlight for 8 hours to kill these termites.
For infestations that are more severe and affect several areas of the house, you are recommended to enlist the help of a pest inspector.
The most effective and efficient method to eliminate drywood termites is through fumigation carried out by professional exterminators. By using a chemical called sulfuryl fluoride, these pests can be eradicated within a matter of days.
Spray olive oil and vinegar or sprinkle salt on the affected area. You may also want to consider injecting orange oil (an essential oil produced from the rind of the orange fruit) into the holes.
To eliminate termites in walls, you can use bait or termicide. Place the bait in areas where the infestations are located to attract and poison the termites, or spray the termicide directly into the cracks in the walls.
If all else fails, or if the infestation is too difficult to manage, call an exterminator.
Typically, no. However, if the infestation has affected wooden components within your appliances or electrical areas, there could be potential issues.
In the event of any concerns about the condition of your appliances or electrical systems, it is advisable to consult a professional handyman repair service provider for a thorough assessment and necessary repairs.
Although drywood termites and subterranean termites are often mistaken for each other, they have many differences.
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