Where to get rid of furniture?

In nature, termites are considered beneficial insects because they help in the process of eliminating rotten stumps and fallen trees. When you discover a termite infestation in a small piece of furniture; however, they are a problem that you must deal with quickly and effectively to avoid further damage and the complete loss of the item. Although consulting with an exterminator may be necessary for large infestations, some natural methods are available to treat smaller infestations yourself.

Cardboard Trap

Exterminators often use cardboard for bait traps because it contains an organic compound called cellulose that is attractive to termites. Create your own cardboard trap by spraying three or four pieces of cardboard with water. Stack the damp cardboard together and place the trap near the furniture, which will draw the termites to the cellulose and into the dampness of the cardboard. Leave the cardboard trap in place for two to three days. Remove the trap and burn it to dispose of the trapped termites. (See References 1)

Sunlight

Termites prefer dark areas, so one natural approach calls for setting the furniture outdoors in the direct sunlight on a hot, sunny day. Rotate the furniture throughout the day to ensure that heat and sunlight reach any termites trying to hide. If there is no sign of rain for several days, you may wish to use the cardboard trap in conjunction with the sunlight to maximize termite removal.

Freeze It

If the piece of furniture is quite small and you have a large enough freezer to accommodate it, consider getting rid of your termite infestation by putting the item in the freezer. Place the furniture into a sealable garbage bag and leave in the freezer for about two weeks. Once you remove the item from the freezer, allow it to stay in the bag for two more days to keep moisture from developing on the wood as it returns to room temperature. If the furniture is too large to go into the freezer, consider removing the infested pieces, such as drawers or chair legs, and giving them the cold treatment separately.