Termites are incredibly small, destructive insects capable of causing hundreds of dollars in damage within a space of a few years. Termites feed on wood inside and outside of the home. Getting rid of the pesky and costly creatures is a job most often left to professional exterminators. If you prefer, there are home treatments you can apply to rid your furniture of termite invaders.
Termite Types
Dampwood, drywood and subterranean are the three main types of termites present in the United States. Of the three, subterranean termites cause the most damage. Subterranean termites live in moist environments, such as soil. Dampwood termites prefer areas with wet wood, such as forests. As the name implies, drywood termites are found in areas populated with extremely dry wood. These termites live above the ground and target wooden structures including trees, homes and furniture.
Termite Infestations
Termites swarm in the spring. They can be located by a visible swarm or by following the damage trail. In the home, termites are most likely to target soft wood and furniture that sits close to the ground. One tell-tale sign is a darkening or blistering of the furniture surface. Termites can cause an estimated $5 billion a year in property damage.
Furniture Treatment
Most experts recommend hiring professionals for termite extinction. There are several reasons for this. Signs of termite infestation can be hard to spot to the untrained eye. Professionals have the equipment needed to test for infestation in hard to reach places. They are trained in the proper use of dangerous insecticides. Additionally, they can recommend preventative measures to prevent re-infestation.
To do your own extermination, begin by locating the point or points of termite infestation. Drywood termite colonies are usually limited to a single piece of furniture and can be eliminated by killing off the colony in the furniture piece. If possible, turn the furniture up-side-down and tap soundly. This will dislodge any loose wood particles. Next, look for a tiny hole (1/16 inch in diameter) on the damaged furniture. This hole may be discolored. It may appear to be closed rather than hollow because it is filled with termites.
Inject termite treatments directly into the hole. There are do-it-yourself insecticides available from home building supply stores. The termite treatment should be labeled safe for use on furniture. Protect any cloth areas of the furniture with plastic before applying the treatment.
Large pieces of furniture may require professional treatment. In some cases the furniture is sealed off and fumigated. Another method involves sealing the furniture and using heat rather than chemicals to destroy the termites. With this method, hot air is pumped into the furniture. Alternatively, the professional may select to inject insecticides directly into the furniture piece.
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