These tiny pests can create big damages!

The tiny termite may seem innocent and unassuming, but only someone who has personally dealt with a termite infestation in their kitchen knows the extent of damages they can cause. Let’s start off with the basics.

How to identify and control termites:

Wooden furniture is most often affected by the dry wood variety of termites, rather than its cousin- the subterranean termite. Drywood termites, as their name suggests, thrive even in the absence of moisture and therefore, infest dry furniture. You may have often heard of people complaining of termites in the kitchen cabinet. 

Since we now know the type of pest we are likely dealing with, let’s now look at the telltale signs of termites in the kitchen, the identification of which can help prevent catastrophic damage to your cabinetry.  

• See saw(dust)

The sight of mounds of sawdust-like material inside your kitchen cabinets is an indication that you might be dealing with this tiny terror! This powder-like material is in fact termite droppings and is highly indicative of their presence. 

• Knock on wood

Try putting some pressure or knocking on your wooden cabinetry. If it feels soft, hollow, or can be squished, it’s likely that there are termites in your kitchen cabinet. 

• Hole(y)-moley

Termites enter and exit wooden cabinetry through tiny pinpoint holes. Examine your kitchen cabinets for multiple tiny holes if you suspect termites in the kitchen. 

• Bubble bubble, termite trouble

Look for raised bubbles or peeling in your kitchen woodwork and walls as this may be indicative of an infestation.

How to get rid of termites

Now, the next question on your mind surely is “How to kill termites?”

It is a known fact that ample sunlight works well against termites, but what if the amount of sunlight your kitchen receives is not in your control? Here are six useful tips to prevent and address termite infestations, divided over three stages of the life of your modular kitchen.

Before construction or kitchen remodeling: 

• Proactive pest control 

Call any local pest control service to assess your site and treat the kitchen prior to construction or remodel. 

• Invest in termite-resistant kitchen cabinet materials and treat it beforehand

While natural wood seems like a great option on paper, it is one of the materials most susceptible to termite attacks. MDF, HDF, and plywoods are better in terms of resisting termite attacks but still not 100% resistant. You could also treat the wood before cabinet work ensues to resist attacks from these pests to an extent. 

Maintenance-related concerns: 

• Routine checks looking for signs of termite infestation 

Use the 4 steps mentioned to get an idea if a termite infestation is ongoing. Prompt action is key to managing termites in the kitchen. 

• Maintaining good plumbing 

A clean kitchen contributes to the limited growth of these pests. Plumbing plays an important role to ensure that you have tidy and efficient systems in place. 

After a confirmed termite infestation: 

• Simple home remedy against termites 

In case you have detected termites in the kitchen, limit their growth using a simple home remedy before calling a professional pest control team. Boric acid offers brilliant results in limiting their growth. 

• Professional pest control directed to kill termites 

The final course of action would be to rope in the professional exterminators to initiate chemical treatment and eliminate the pests. Reach out to Bespoke Decor to find a kitchen cabinet material for your modular kitchen that can resist termite attacks.