When you’re dealing with a termite infestation, it’s easy to feel like they’re everywhere and can spread to anything. Fortunately, our guide on how termites can spread in a home will help you get a better idea of how they operate so you can deal with the problem more effectively. How easily do termites spread from walls to furniture, you ask? We’ll also go over what to do when you have termites in furniture, and how to protect your home from them preemptively.
Termites can spread relatively easily through a home, but they’re not invincible. Recon Pest Services has the tools and knowledge needed to fight off termites before they become a serious problem. Servicing the greater Omaha and Lincoln areas, we can handle any common pest. Contact us today for a free quote.
How Termites Spread Through the Home
Termites get inside homes through cracks in the foundation or any other openings. Once they’re inside, they start to build their nests by chewing through wood and other materials. They usually stay close to their nests since they need moisture to survive, but if there’s a food source nearby, they may venture out further.
When termites find food, they leave pheromone trails for other members of their colony to follow. This is how termites can spread quickly throughout a home once they’ve found a good food source or two. If you have termites in your furniture, it’s likely because they’ve already infested the surrounding area and just haven’t been discovered yet.
How Easily do Termites Spread from Walls to Furniture?
Fortunately, furniture is usually one of the last things termites will get to, as it means there are so many that they will be moving openly throughout the house. If you’ve got suspicions of termites in your home, consider moving your furniture away from walls and wood surfaces temporarily until you can confirm.
If you find termites in or on your furniture, it’s time to thoroughly check the entire home for termites. Every nook and cranny, especially under rugs and wood in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement.
For more information about how to stop a termite infestation before it happens, check out this article from the University of Kentucky on protecting your home from termites.
Preventing Termites From Spreading in Your Home
The best way to prevent termites from spreading in your home is to eliminate moisture sources and make it difficult for them to get inside in the first place. Check for cracks in your foundation and seal them up, repair any leaky pipes, and make sure there’s proper drainage around your home.
Another way to prevent termites from spreading is to remove any potential food sources. Store firewood, paper, and other cellulose materials away from your home, and don’t leave food out where termites can find it. Regularly clean your home to get rid of crumbs and other bits of food that may attract termites.
If you already have termites in your furniture or elsewhere in your home, the best thing to do is call a professional pest control company like Recon Pest Services. We’ll be able to quickly assess the situation and come up with a plan to get rid of the termites before they cause serious damage to your property.
Treating a Termite Infestation in Your Home
If you already have a termite problem, the best thing you can do is call a professional exterminator. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment. This may involve using chemicals to kill the termites, but it could also involve damaged material removal or heat treatments.
Once the problem is taken care of, you’ll need to take steps to prevent future infestations. Be sure to fix any moisture problems in your home and use termite-resistant materials whenever possible. With a little effort, you can keep your home termite-free for good.
You can also use termite-resistant materials like concrete, metal, or stone when renovating or repairing your home. If you have termites in furniture, you’ll need to get rid of the infested pieces and either replace them or treat them so they’re no longer attractive to termites.
What to Do if You Have Termites in Furniture
If you have termites in your furniture, the first thing you should do is try to isolate the affected piece from the rest of your house. Take it outside and keep it far away from any sources of food like raw wood or gardens. This will prevent the termites from spreading any further. You can then contact a professional to get rid of the termites and repair any damage they may have caused.
The furniture will likely need to go through heat treatment if it is upholstered, which your pest control professionals should be able to help with. However, you’ll likely need to do some carpentry work to repair or replace any damaged wood.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve gotten rid of the termites in your furniture, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. As we mentioned before, be sure to fix any moisture problems in your home and use termite-resistant materials whenever possible. You should also keep an eye out for signs of termites and contact a professional as soon as you see them.
By following these tips, you can help keep termites from spreading in your home and causing damage to your furniture. If you already have an infestation, remember to isolate the affected area and call a professional to get rid of the problem for good. With a little bit of effort, you can protect your home from these pests.
Recon Pest Services has the equipment and expertise needed to repel termites before they become a serious problem. We can take care of any typical pest in the greater Omaha and Lincoln areas, including wasps, spiders, ants, or carpenter ants. For a free quote, contact us today.
