Termites feed on cellulose—a major component found in wood and wooden products. Furniture made from untreated or poorly maintained wood is especially vulnerable. Subterranean termites, the most common type in Tennessee, live underground but build mud tubes to access wooden furniture and other materials in your home.
Once they find a food source, they can cause significant damage without making any noise or visible signs at first. That’s why proactive protection is key.
1. Choose Termite-Resistant Wood
Some types of wood are naturally more resistant to termites than others. If you’re investing in new furniture or replacing old pieces, opt for termite-resistant woods like:
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Teak
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Cedar
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Mahogany
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Redwood
These hardwoods contain natural oils and chemicals that repel termites. While no wood is 100% termite-proof, these types make infestation far less likely.
2. Keep Wooden Furniture Dry and Well-Ventilated
Moisture is a major attractant for termites. Damp wooden surfaces create the perfect environment for termites to thrive and reproduce. To prevent this:
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Avoid placing wooden furniture near leaky windows, walls, or pipes.
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Use dehumidifiers in humid areas like basements.
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Ensure good ventilation in storage areas, closets, and attics.
Dry conditions make it harder for termites to survive and reach your furniture.
3. Apply Wood Treatments and Polishes
Treating your furniture with anti-termite wood polish or varnish adds a protective layer that helps repel insects. Consider:
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Boric acid: A common termite deterrent.
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Oil-based sealants: These make it harder for termites to penetrate the wood.
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Neem or orange oil: Natural alternatives with pest-repellent properties.
Reapplying polish or treatment once or twice a year can strengthen your furniture’s defense against termites.
4. Inspect Wooden Furniture Regularly
Routine inspections can help identify early signs of termite activity before significant damage occurs. Look for:
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Hollow-sounding wood
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Small pinholes or sawdust-like residue
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Mud tubes or termite droppings
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Discoloration or warped surfaces
If you spot any of these warning signs, it’s time to schedule a professional termite inspection in Murfreesboro immediately.
5. Keep Furniture Away from Soil and Walls
Termites often enter homes through contact points like soil and walls. To reduce risk:
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Avoid placing wooden furniture directly against walls, especially exterior ones.
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Keep a gap between furniture and the ground or floor.
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Use metal or concrete stands for support when possible.
Creating distance minimizes termite access points and improves airflow around the furniture.
6. Declutter and Maintain Cleanliness
Cluttered spaces can harbor moisture and hide termite activity. Decluttering not only helps with visibility but also reduces potential nesting grounds. Clean wooden furniture regularly to wipe away dust and moisture, and avoid stacking cardboard or paper near it—both are also termite attractants.
7. Store Unused Furniture Properly
If you’re storing furniture for a while:
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Keep it in a dry, ventilated area.
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Wrap it in plastic sheets or covers that don’t trap moisture.
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Place anti-termite blocks or silica gel nearby to keep humidity levels low.
Inspect stored furniture every few months to ensure it remains termite-free.
8. Schedule a Termite Inspection in Murfreesboro
Even if your furniture looks fine on the surface, termites could be active underneath. A professional termite inspection in Murfreesboro helps identify hidden infestations early and provides tailored recommendations for treatment and prevention.
Experts use moisture meters, infrared tools, and years of experience to detect signs that most homeowners miss. Regular inspections—at least once a year—are a critical part of protecting your investment in wooden furniture.
Final Thoughts
Termites can destroy beautiful wooden furniture quietly and quickly. Taking proactive steps such as choosing termite-resistant wood, keeping furniture dry, applying treatments, and getting a termite inspection in Murfreesboro can go a long way in preventing costly damage.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your home and furniture by staying alert, informed, and prepared. Regular care and professional inspections are your best defense against these wood-hungry pests.
