Termite Damage to Wooden Furniture: Risks and Alternatives

Wooden wardrobes add timeless elegance and functionality to any home. However, they are susceptible to termite damage to wooden furniture, a problem that can silently deteriorate the structure and appearance of your prized pieces.

Termites are notorious for causing unseen damage that may not be noticed until it’s too late. If left unchecked, termite damage to wooden furniture can lead to costly repairs or even total replacement.

In this blog, we’ll explore how termites attack wooden wardrobes, the signs to watch for, and effective prevention strategies to protect your furniture from these destructive pests.

Termites are silent destroyers!

Yes, the termites have been regarded as the silent destroyers. That is exactly because they do not show any signs of damage or infestation in the early stages. The termites feed on cellulose which is the substance found in the wood. 

As they keep consuming the cellulose in the wood, they create a hollow in your wardrobe. This will ultimately cause a structural weakness in your wardrobe and make it collapse. 

Termite Damage to Wooden Furniture: Look Out for The Pests

You may believe that all the termites that attack your different wooden products belong to the same quality. But, the termites belong to different types, and not every type of belongs to the same category. 

• Subterranean Termites – They can be very destructive types of termites. They can build colonies underground and create mud tubes to travel to their food source
• Drywood Termites – They do not need soil contact. They typically infest the dry wood. 
• Dampwood Termites – These termites need a damp climate to prosper. They will attack the wood that has a higher moisture content. 

How Termites Attack Wooden Wardrobes?

Well, the termites do not attack the wood from outside. That is exactly what makes it very difficult to detect any sort of termite infestation in its early stages. They typically begin attacking the wooden wardrobe or any other wooden furniture from inside. 

The stages through which termites can attack you can be described as here below –

Stage 1 – Finding an entrance 

Termites enter the wood through the cracks in the wood or damaged finishes. They can even enter through the joints. If you have a wardrobe that is in direct contact with the floor or walls, they will have an easier option to enter your wardrobe. 

Stage 2 – Building colonies 

Once they enter inside the wood, they begin building colonies inside the wood. The subterranean termites build mud tubes for protection and for getting moisture. Drywood termites can build nests inside the wood as they keep consuming the wood. 

Stage  3 – Consuming cellulose 

This is the stage where they begin creating havoc inside your wardrobe. They consume the cellulose in the wood. They digest the cellulose with the help of enzymes and bacteria in their guts. This process creates the hollowing out of the wood fibers. This will cause structural damage which weakens the wardrobe over time. 

Stage 4 – Reproduction and exploring 

As the colony grows, termites would reproduce and expand. This will increase the feeding activity of the termites. More termites will mean more damage. This will ultimately lead to the complete destruction of the wardrobe. 

Signs of Termite Damage in Wooden Wardrobes

Detecting the termite attack in the early stages of infestation should prove to be an excellent option. This can help you prevent the damage over the long run. 

Here are a few signs of termite damage: 

Mud tubes 

Inspect the wardrobe for signs of small mud tubes at the base or anywhere around the wardrobe. This can be a clear indicator of subterranean termite activity. These tubes are constructed to provide the moisture and protection for the termites. 

Wood damage 

Did you find the wood damaged over time? The signs can include blistered and hollowed-out wood. You may also notice the signs like pinholes in the wood. These signs can be an indicator that there is termite damage. 

Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites can leave behind piles of wood-colored pellets. These are called frass. They look like sawdust and can be a sure sign of termite infestation. 

Sagging or Warped Wood

The Sagging or Warped Wood can be yet another indicator of termite infestation in your wardrobe. This can happen when the termites have compromised the structural integrity of the wood. This may be the last stage of the health of your wardrobe.

Wooden Wardrobe Protection or Choosing Aluminum as an Alternative?

Of course, there are a few good options for termite infestation prevention. However, the wood will always remain susceptible to termite attacks. A good alternative to the wooden wardrobe may be to choose an aluminum wardrobe. 

Unlike wood, aluminum is a non-cellulosic material, which means termites are not attracted to it.  They are also resistant to moisture and warping issues. The aluminum wardrobes provide you with lightweight and durable construction, making them a potent and robust alternative to wooden wardrobes.

Additionally, aluminum wardrobes come in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing you to achieve the aesthetic appeal of wood without the associated risks. 

If you wish to get rid of the frequent termite attacks that are associated with wooden wardrobes, make sure to switch to aluminum wardrobes that can provide you with a great deal of peace of mind and a long-lasting investment. 

In Conclusion 

Termite damage to wooden furniture can become extreme in a very short span of time. The discussion above should help you in how termites spread and damage the wood, and how to detect the signs of termite infestation. 

Don’t let these tiny invaders destroy your investment—take action today and safeguard your home from the damage they can cause. Check for the best ways to improve the lifespan of your wooden wardrobe. 

You can perhaps choose to go in favor of an aluminum wardrobe that can do away with the need to worry about termites. Choosing a reliable aluminum wardrobe manufacturer, Elite Aluminium and Glass Works will help you get the best aluminum home essentials in the long run.