Why Furniture?

Understanding why termites are attracted to furniture is key to protecting these valuable items in your home. The primary reason lies in the composition of most furniture – wood, which is rich in cellulose, a substance that termites rely on for survival.

Cellulose: The Termite’s Diet

Cellulose is an organic compound found in the cell walls of plants, and it’s the main component of wood. It provides termites with the necessary nutrients they need to live. Since furniture is predominantly made of wood, it becomes an ideal food source for these pests. Termites digest cellulose and convert it into energy, which sustains their colonies.

The Appeal of Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture, in particular, is attractive to termites for several reasons:

• Accessibility – Furniture often provides termites with easy access to a food source, especially if it’s placed on or near the ground.
• Variety of Woods – Different types of wood used in furniture have varying levels of appeal to termites. Softwoods and hardwoods alike can be susceptible to termite attacks.
• Moisture Content – Furniture that has a higher moisture content, either due to environmental conditions or lack of proper maintenance, can be more susceptible to termite infestation.

Types of Furniture

Older furniture, especially antiques, can be particularly vulnerable. Over time, wood can become dry and brittle, making it easier for termites to penetrate and consume. Additionally, antique furniture may have been constructed without modern treatments that deter pests, making them a prime target for termites.

Once termites establish themselves in a piece of furniture, they can potentially spread to other parts of your home. Furniture can act as a gateway for termites to infest structural elements of your house, leading to more extensive and costly damage.

There are several species of termites, but the ones most likely to infest furniture are drywood termites. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, drywood termites don’t require contact with soil and can thrive in the dry wood of furniture. They are capable of creating entire colonies within a piece of furniture, remaining hidden and causing damage over time.

How Do Termites Get into Furniture?

Understanding the pathways through which termites can infest furniture is crucial in preventing and controlling these pests. Termites are not just ground-dwelling insects; they can find multiple ways to access and infest furniture. Here are some common ways termites make their way into furniture:

• Infested Second-Hand Furniture – One of the most common ways termites infest furniture is through second-hand or antique pieces that are already infested. When you bring a piece of used furniture into your home, you might unknowingly introduce termites as well. These termites can then spread from the infested item to other wooden structures or furniture in your home.

• Spread from Existing Infestations – If your home already has a termite problem, these pests can easily spread to furniture. Termites can move through cracks in the wall, flooring, and other tiny openings to reach new food sources. Furniture placed near infested areas is particularly at risk.

• Swarmers Entering the Home – Flying termites, known as swarmers, are reproductive termites that leave their colony to start new ones. These swarmers can enter homes through open windows, doors, or cracks. Once inside, they can shed their wings and start a new colony in a suitable wooden environment, such as furniture.

• Direct Contact with Infested Wood – Furniture that comes into direct contact with infested wood, such as firewood or lumber, can also become infested. Termites can easily transfer from the infested wood to the furniture, especially if both are stored in close proximity.

• Through Soil Contact – For homes with subterranean termites, the risk extends to furniture that is in direct contact with the ground. These termites live in the soil and can enter furniture that is on or near the ground level, especially in damp conditions.

Identifying a Termite Infestation in Furniture

Spotting termites in furniture isn’t always easy, but there are signs you can look for:

• Tiny holes in the wood
• A hollow sound when you tap the wood
• Frass (termite droppings) around the furniture
• Sagging or weakened wood

If you suspect your furniture is infested with termites, it’s important to act quickly. Contacting a professional pest control service like Orkin can help assess the situation and provide effective solutions. DIY methods are rarely effective against termites due to their hidden nature and the complexity of their colonies.

Orkin’s Solutions for Termites

At Orkin, we offer specialized termite treatments tailored to your home’s specific needs. Our experts use advanced technology and methods to effectively eliminate termites and prevent future infestations. Here’s how we can help:

• Inspection – Our trained professionals will thoroughly inspect your home to identify the extent of the infestation.
• Customized Treatment – We’ll create a treatment plan that’s right for your home.
• Ongoing Protection – Orkin offers continued monitoring and protection to keep termites at bay.

Why Choose Orkin for Termite Control?

Choosing Orkin means opting for peace of mind. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle any termite problem. With Orkin, you get:

• Expertise – Our technicians are trained to handle termite infestations effectively.
• Advanced Methods – We use the latest technology and strategies for termite control.
• Satisfaction Guarantee – We’re committed to solving your termite issues.

Call Orkin Today!

Don’t let termites take over your beloved furniture and home. Contact Orkin today for a comprehensive termite inspection and customized treatment plan. Our team is ready to provide you with the best solutions for keeping your home termite-free. Remember, when it comes to termites, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call Orkin – your partner in protecting your home against termites.

Conclusion

Understanding the signs of termite activity, the conditions that attract them, and the methods they use to infest furniture is crucial in preventing damage. Regular inspections, both self-conducted and by professionals like Orkin, play a vital role in early detection and management of termite infestations. Preventative measures, such as maintaining a dry environment, inspecting second-hand furniture, and avoiding direct wood-to-soil contact, are key strategies in termite prevention. These simple yet effective steps can significantly reduce the risk of termites in your home and safeguard your furniture for years to come.