Tips to Keep Your Home Safe From a Termite Attack

Nothing is as beautiful as a home with wooden flooring and solid wooden furniture. There is an elegance to the material that makes it perfect for both vintage and contemporary interiors. Woodwork, however, comes with a major concern – termites.

Identifying and Managing Termite Attacks

Termite infestations may be difficult to identify, particularly because they are no significant signs till the damage is extensive. Look out for small holes, a trail of wooden dust, a hollowed-out sound, or floorboards or planks coming loose. These could all point to a termite attack.

• Getting The Right Material - Preventing termites is the best treatment. When you are getting the interior of your home done, furniture or floorboards put in, opting for treated lumber or wood naturally resistant to termites is a good idea. Some woods, like teak and cedar, are less prone to termites. Using them may be a good idea if you live in a neighbourhood prone to these pests. There are several brands of treated plywood that are termite resistant as well. You may want to consult an interior designer whose expertise is in working with wood.
• Protecting Wooden Furniture - Keeping the wooden furniture dry and clean is an important part of keeping the home safe and free from termite attacks. Always clean wooden furniture with wood polish or specialised products meant to clean wood. Never use a damp cloth. Damp wood is the perfect place for termites to grow. Never leave wooden furniture in the garden or standing on soft earth. Expose your furniture to direct sunlight as much as possible. If you have picked your wooden furniture off-the-rack, it may be a good idea to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer about maintenance and termite prevention.
• Wooden Floorboards and Panels - Wooden floors require regular maintenance and upkeep. Wooden floorboards look beautiful and elegant, but a termite infestation can devastate your home. Treating the wood before placing the floorboards and leaving a protective layer of chemicals before installation is imperative. The best way to keep a termite infestation from becoming a concern is to use high-quality wood polish and moisture-resistant wax to clean the floors. Be careful to keep food and fluids from spilling on the floor. Inspect floorboards regularly and replace them at the first sign of termites.
• Getting Professional Help - A regular schedule for pest control is always a good idea for apartment maintenance and keeping a safe home. Pest control involves applying various chemicals that eliminate and control household pests such as roaches, rats, and insects. The process also involves the application of anti-termite chemicals. There are some DIY options, but it is best to let professionals eliminate the termite colony in case of an infestation. These chemicals are highly toxic and should be used with extreme caution.
• Termite Resistant Products – There are several termite control products, including wax polishes and sprays. The greatest challenge with using harsh toxic chemicals such as Borax to treat termites is that this needs to be done by an expert. The fumes and poisonous chemicals can cause harm if not handled carefully, with adequate precautions, and according to instructions. There are some home remedies, but these may not be just as effective.

Conclusion

Regular inspection, maintenance with appropriate products, treatment and timely replacement are important when it comes to maintaining a home with wood-dominant interiors. However, the beauty and joy of a safe home make this a worthwhile effort.