Wooden furniture has an old-school, rustic charm. But with its warmth and allure comes the dreaded problem of termites in wood that can destroy the very same furnishings pretty quickly.

So how do you prevent this from happening? Our expert interior designers in Chennai break it down for you.

Know the telltale signs

Termites can be hard to spot because they start from the inside of the wood where it is dark and well protected, and work their way out. This is why it can be difficult to spot an infestation until it is too late. But fret not – despite their stealth, there are still ways to identify these pests!

• Discarded wings: An early sign of termite infestation is discarded wings, typically found strewn on floors and windowsills, especially in corners of your house. 
• Hollowed out sounds: A lesser-known fact about termites is that they eat more than just wood. An infestation can cause damage to laminate floors, skirting, wallpaper, fences, railings, and more. If you knock or tap on any of these and hear a hollow sound, it probably signifies an infestation.
• Termite droppings: As termites work their way through the wood, their droppings fall and pile up, resembling sawdust. If you happen to find these piles, you should call an exterminator right away.

Select the right exterminator

Discovering termites in wood can be alarming, and you may feel inclined to hire the first exterminator you can find. However, effectively eradicating this problem requires expert care. To select the right exterminator, make sure their credentials check out, and that they offer a warranty for the job done. Take some time to run these checks and read customer reviews for a well-informed decision.

Long-term solutions

Here are some long-term tips to safeguard your home against termite infestations:

• Dehumidification: Homes with excess moisture trapped in the walls and ceilings see frequent occurrences of infestations. Dehumidify your home and fix major leaks to prevent this in the first place.
• Declutter: As we mentioned earlier, termites eat more than wood. Keep your home neat and tidy and place items prone to termite infestations in plastic bags if possible.
• Use borate: Borate is a strong repellant to termites. Spray your walls and furniture with borate before painting them and let it soak into the wood. You can take it a step further by sealing the surface with a primer before painting it – this will prevent moisture from getting trapped.

How to treat termite infested wood

In the aftermath of a termite infestation, you may have lost all hope. But the good news is that the infested furniture can be restored to normal! Leave them outside for a few days in direct sunlight to remove moisture and kill off the termite swarm. You can also treat the affected area with a solution of borax and water, or neem oil and orange oil.

When it comes to furnishings, the right quality wood can ensure longevity and ease of maintenance. Which is why Vibrant Spaces only uses the best wood there is to offer! If you’re looking to create custom, designer furniture for your dream home, contact our expert home interior designers in Chennai today.