Kitchen cabinets are one of the most favorite places for termites to spread their infestation.
There are many different ways termites can reach your kitchen cabinets, such as through the walls of your home, through ceilings, or through any wooden furniture, you keep in your home.
To treat termites in kitchen cabinets, first of all, it is very important to know its signs. However, if the infestation is detected at an early stage, it is very easy to control.
First of all, we will start with some main signs of termites in kitchen cabinets then I will tell you some effective ways to control them.
And before the conclusion, we will talk about why termites attack kitchen cabinets and how we can save our kitchen from termites so they do not come back.
Signs of Termites in Kitchen Cabinets:
Here I will tell you some such signs of termite infestation which are mostly found in kitchen cabinets.
Swelling on the Surface of Kitchen Cabinets:
When termites spread their infestation in kitchen cabinets, they retain moisture at the place of infestation. Due to this you can see either small bumps or swell on the surface of the cabinets.
This is an early sign of the presence of termites in kitchen cabinets, which indicates that termites have recently attacked your kitchen cabinets.
The Hollow Sound Coming From Cabinets:
When you tap on the surface of your kitchen cabinets and you hear a hollow sound from them, it means that you have termites in your kitchen cabinets.
the reason behind the hollow sound is because termites reach inside the wood and eat the wood fibers, which weakens the strength of the wood and makes it loose from the inside.
This sign is not an early sign, rather it indicates that termites have widespread in your kitchen and you have to take immediate actions now.
Pinholes on the Surface of Cabinets:
The appearance of pinholes on the surfaces of kitchen cabinets is a sign of an infestation of Dry wood termites.
These pinholes are visible to us in two situations. First, when termites accidentally come out of their colony while searching for food and small holes are formed. After that, they themselves close these holes with their feces.
In the second case, the termites emerge by forming these pinholes when it is time for their mating. And there is not enough food and space left in the old colony.
Mud Tubes on Cabinets:
The appearance of mud tubes around your kitchen cabinets is also a major sign that you have a termite infestation in your kitchen cabinets.
Mud tubes are used by termites as a tunnel and carry food from a food source to their colony. These small soil tubes retain enough moisture in the termite’s body so that it remains alive.
You will see mud tubes around kitchen cabinets when the infestation is on the walls, ceiling, or floor of your kitchen. Termites build their way through mud tubes from walls to cabinets.
Discarded Wings Near Cabinets:
When termites come out of their colonies through pinholes to mate, both males and females discard their wings during mating. In such a situation, these feathers get collected around the cabinets.
The appearance of discarded wings around cabinets is a warning sign of high-level termite infestation. Because after mating these termites start infesting new places in your home.
Flying Termites in the Kitchen:
Termites develop wings during the mating season. And these winged termites come out of their old colony when there is not enough food and space left. Once they come out they seek new places to spread the infestation.
These flying termites are called swarmers. And the appearance of them in your kitchen indicates a widespread termite infestation. A different approach is used to deal with these flying termites. Please read the article given below.
Frass/Termite Droppings Around Kitchen Cabinets:
In the place where termite infestation occurs, their feces are definitely visible. The feces of termites look just like sawdust.
When termites clean up their colony, they throw out their feces through pinholes. And this feces gets deposited around kitchen cabinets in the form of small mounds of sawdust.
Rotting Wood of Cabinets:
When termites reach the wood fibers of kitchen cabinets, they hollow out the wood from inside so that the wood of the cabinets starts rotting.
Sometimes the wood of cabinets also starts rotting due to accumulated moisture at the place of termite infestation. Wherever termites make their colonies, they retain moisture from their feces, due to moisture, the wood starts to rot and deteriorate.
How to Protect Kitchen Cabinets From Termites?
Here I will tell you 5 important things to keep in mind that will protect your kitchen cabinets from termites in the long run.
1. Use of Teak Wood Cabinets:
If your kitchen cabinets are old or you want to install new kitchen cabinets then I would recommend that you use teak wood kitchen cabinets. Teak wood is a type of termite-resistant wood. Although teak wood is very expensive, it is difficult for everyone to afford it.
2. Do not allow moisture to build up in the kitchen:
Wooden cabinets are especially prone to termites during the rainy season. In such a situation, you should take care not to get damp on the walls or roof ceiling of the kitchen because from there termites can easily reach your kitchen cabinets.
3. Keep wooden cabinets away from water:
Take care that you never keep wet utensils inside the cabinets or do not allow the cabinets to get wet in any way.
If there is no sunlight in your kitchen, then definitely use a dehumidifier during the rainy season, it will keep your kitchen free from moisture and will not allow termites to flourish in the cabinets.
4. Use Boracare while making kitchen cabinets:
While making wooden cabinets, you must put Boracare in them, it will keep your kitchen cabinets safe from termites for a lifetime. Boracare works most effectively on wooden infestations.
5. Do not deposit old waste in the kitchen:
Keep items such as old cardboard, newspaper, or wood away from your kitchen. And keep cleaning your kitchen from time to time. Since cellulose is found in cardboards and newspapers, it attracts termites.
Conclusion:
Signs of termites in kitchen cabinets are a warning sign that you should treat it as soon as possible. If you do not treat it on time, then termites can spread all over your house.
In the above-mentioned signs, the first two signs indicate mild infestation while all the rest indicate major infestation.
In the above-mentioned methods, Boracare and boric acid is the best way to get rid of termites in kitchen cabinets.
After treating termites, it is also very important to take care of some important things so that you can prevent them from coming back.
As such, do not allow moisture or dampness to accumulate in your kitchen. Be sure to use a dehumidifier during the rainy season. Do not leave old trash, newspaper, or cardboard in the kitchen. Do not keep wet utensils inside cabinets.
