5 ways to protect wood from termites

Termites are a common and persistent threat to homeowners, especially in tropical climates like Indonesia.

It’s natural to ask how to prevent termites from attacking wooden structures and furniture, such as tables, chairs, and cabinets. The question now is: how can we protect wood from termites before they cause irreversible damage?

In Indonesian households, wood is frequently used in construction, increasing the risk of termite infestations, particularly from subterranean termites. 

These termites, especially the Coptotermes species, are known for their destructive nature and can eat away at wood from the inside, making the damage hard to detect until it’s severe.

To help homeowners protect their wooden assets, here are 5 proven methods on how to protect wood from termites.

5 ways to protect wood from termite damage in your home

We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with termite problems at home. Below are the 5 ways to reduce the risk of termite damage as recommended by Rentokil’s termite experts:

1. Maintain the humidity of the home environment
2. Regularly inspect and maintain wood materials
3. Apply protective wood coatings
4. Use preserved or pre-treated wood
5. Termite injection and baiting systems

Implementing these measures can help reduce the risk of damage and maintain the durability of the wood in your home.

1. Maintain proper humidity levels in the home

Subterranean termites thrive in moist environments, making it essential to keep your home’s humidity in check. Moisture control is key in creating an environment that termites avoid.

What can you do to maintain the right humidity?

• Fix leaks in pipes, roofs or walls immediately.
• Ensure proper ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Keep wooden materials dry, especially wooden parquet or outdoor furniture.

2. Regularly inspect and maintain wood materials 

Routine inspections can help catch a termite infestation early. Pay attention to neglected areas like under furniture or in storage rooms.

Look for common signs of termite activity such as mud tubes, small cavities or wood dust around your property. Wood that shows signs of being brittle or hollow is often infested. Regular checks are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of wooden parts of your home.

3. Apply protective wood coatings

Using wood coatings designed to repel insects is an effective way to protect wooden structures. These coatings not only prevent moisture from penetrating the wood but also act as a deterrent to termites eating wood.

Although there is no definite guarantee, applying wood that has been coated can be one of the measures you can try to protect wood from termite attacks.

4. Use preserved or pre-treated wood

For added protection, consider using preserved wood or pre-treated wood. This involves treating the wood with specialized chemicals to create a termite-resistant barrier.

Preserved wood offers a higher level of protection than untreated wood, making it ideal for construction or furniture that requires durability. This method is especially useful in tropical climates where termites thrive.

5. Termite injection and baiting systems

The most effective method for long-term termite control is through termite injection and baiting systems. These solutions offer a reliable way to protect your home from future infestations, ensuring that termites are not just eliminated but also kept away for an extended period.

Termite injections involve applying liquid termiticides around your home’s foundation, creating a barrier that keeps termites at bay. This method creates a chemical shield that prevents termites from entering your property and causing structural damage.

By treating the soil around your home, termite injections offer long-lasting protection, ensuring your wood structures remain safe from infestation.

Alternatively, termite baiting involves setting up feeding stations around your property. These stations contain substances that kill termites by disrupting their digestive systems. This method is highly effective in reducing termite populations and preventing further wood damage.

IMPROTANT! To ensure optimal results, termite baiting and injection should be performed by trained professionals. This process requires specialized skills to guarantee its effectiveness and success.

Leave your termite problems to the experts!

Getting rid of termites is not something you can do alone. It’s crucial to enlist professional services to protect your home from a termite infestation in the long term.

Rentokil offers professional termite control services that you can trust. With over 50 years of experience in Indonesia, our termite control solutions are safe, efficient, and backed by a long-term warranty, giving homeowners peace of mind.

Don’t take chances! Contact Rentokil today at 150808 or fill out our online form for a consultation about protecting your home from termite damage.