Preventing termites from the very beginning is always more effective and helps avoid damage to your home’s wooden furniture. Early intervention not only saves money but also preserves the beauty and durability of your wood for many years. Here are some practical and safe ways to treat termite infestations.

Using Boric Acid to Treat Termites

Boric acid is commonly found in disinfectant solutions and is also a chemical that effectively eliminates termites. Simply mix a packet of boric acid powder (available at chemical stores) with water and spray it directly onto areas where termites appear. This method penetrates the wood and kills termites effectively, helping your furniture remain intact for years.

For wooden doors damaged by termites, just pour this solution into the holes, and your wood can stay strong and beautiful for over 10 years. Regular application ensures long-term protection and prevents termites from returning.

Using Salt to Combat Termites

Salt is a traditional and safe method to repel termites. The process is simple: sprinkle salt along pathways or directly into termite nests. Termites are naturally drawn to moisture, and salt disrupts their environment, forcing them to leave. This method is chemical-free and suitable for households with children or pets.

Using Vinegar and Lemon Juice

A mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice can also be used to target termites safely. Spray the solution directly onto termite nests or areas with visible infestation. The acidity of vinegar combined with the citric acid from lemon effectively disrupts termites’ habitats, reducing their activity without harming your wooden furniture.

Using Quicklime (Calcium Oxide)

Quicklime is another folk remedy for termites. There are two ways to use it: sprinkle the powder directly into termite nests, or mix it with water and pour the solution into the holes. Quicklime reacts with moisture and creates an environment hostile to termites, helping eliminate them naturally.

Using Cardboard to Trap Termites

Termites love paper and cardboard. You can use a piece of cardboard as bait—place it near the infestation so termites are attracted to it. Once they start feeding, remove the cardboard and replace it with a fresh piece. Repeating this process several times can significantly reduce termite populations and eventually eliminate the nest.

Sun Exposure for Infested Items

One of the simplest and most effective ways to treat minor termite infestations is to expose wooden items to direct sunlight for 2–3 days. Termites thrive in dark, damp environments, so drying out the wood under the sun makes it inhospitable to them. This method works best for movable furniture and items that are only lightly infested.

Treating Wooden Furniture with Kerosene

Kerosene is a widely used chemical in traditional termite control. When you notice termite damage in wooden furniture, pour kerosene directly into the holes and spray it into cracks, hinges, and other vulnerable spots. Repeating this treatment over approximately two weeks can effectively eliminate termites and prevent them from returning.

Extra Tips for Long-Term Protection

• Regularly inspect your wooden furniture for early signs of termites, such as tiny holes or sawdust.

• Keep wooden surfaces dry and well-ventilated, as termites thrive in moist environments.

• Combine methods if necessary—for example, use boric acid for treatment and sunlight exposure for prevention.

• Consider professional inspection for severe infestations to ensure complete elimination.

By following these tips, you can protect your wooden furniture from termites effectively, keeping your home beautiful and your wood lasting for over a decade. Prevention is always better than cure, so take action at the first sign of termites to maintain the quality and strength of your wooden items.