How to Get Rid of Termites in Furniture?
October 16, 2026
Table of Contents
To remove termites from furniture, first move the piece away from walls and other furniture. Remove loose debris,then use a suitable termite treatment or wood preservative,v,e following its label. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly before using again. If you have a number of pieces affected, you see termites in walls or floors, or the damage is widespread, call in a pest control professional. To minimize the chances of another infestation, keep the surrounding area dry.
Knowing how to get rid of termites in furniture starts with identifying the signs and selecting an appropriate treatment.
Signs of Termites in Furniture
Termites can eat the furniture from the inside out, so you may not realise there is a problem until the wood starts to weaken. Watch for these warning signals:
Wood that sounds hollow
Tap the furniture. If you hear a hollow noise, it might be an indication of internal damage.
Fine powder or pellets: Small piles of debris near furniture may signal insect activity, but other wood-boring pests can produce this debris, too.
Mud Tubes
Termites may construct mud tubes on walls, floors or wood surfaces.
Small holes
Tiny holes are a good sign of insect activity inside the wood.
Dropped wings
Dropped wings around windows, doors or furniture may indicate a termite swarm. If you see several signs in a row, check the nearby furniture and the walls around. Photographs of the damage can help a pest control professional determine the problem.
Step-by-Step: How to Treat Termites in Furniture
Move the Furniture out of
If it is safe, move the affected piece away from walls and other furniture. That will make it easier to inspect,and you can see whether other wooden items nearby are affected as well. Don't drag damaged furniture a lot, because it may break due to its weak structure.
Clear away loose debris.
Vacuum or brush up any loose wood shavings and debris. Gather the material and take it out of the living area. Cleaning is done to see the affected areas but does not remove the termites hidden in the wood.
Find a Suitable Remedy
Select a wood preservative or termite treatment that is labelled for the material and the intended use of the furniture. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, ventilation, wearing protective gloves and drying time. Don’t mix chemicals or use household pesticides on furniture unless the label says you can.
This is an important step in learning how to remove termites from wood furniture safely.
Dry the furniture thoroughly
Follow the product instructions and ensure that your furniture is completely dry before using it again. Make sure the room is well ventilated and follow any safety precautions regarding children, pets and contact with treated surfaces.
Look at the Furniture Again
After a few weeks,, check the furniture for new holes,or continuing damage or fresh debris. Some of the termites in the wood may not be reached by the treatment. If signs stay or return, book a professional inspection.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
Home remedies and surface treatments may not reach termites that are deep inside furniture or deep inside the building structure. If you need to call a pest control expert:
- Infestation evident in many pieces of furniture.
- Termites or mud tubes in walls, on floors or ceilings.
- Infestation recurring after treatment.
- Structural elements like wooden beams, door frames, etc., are affected.
- Furniture is damaged and unstable or may fall over.
A professional can tell you the extent and type of infestation and advise you on the best treatment. If the furniture has been damaged internally, then it will need specialist repair or replacement.
A professional can also assess how to treat termites in furniture when the infestation is extensive or difficult to reach.
How to Protect Wood Furniture from Termites
It’s easier to prevent if you control the moisture and possible places of entry. To reduce the chances of another infestation, take these precautions:
- Avoid damp floors and wet walls: Do not put furniture on damp floors or on wet walls.
- Fix leaks: Repair any leaks in plumbing and enhance ventilation in moist rooms.
- Seal and finish surfaces: Apply appropriate finishes to exposed surfaces, edges and the back of furniture.
- Monitor: Look for new holes, powder, mud tubes or other signs of activity regularly.
- How to maintain plywood furniture: See our guide on how to maintain plywood furniture.
- Choose appropriate finishes: Research polishing plywood and different plywood finishes.
- Get a professional inspection: If termites have been found in your home, ask a pest control professional if surrounding areas need treatment.
These measures may shed light on how to prevent termites in wood furniture but do not guarantee total protection from an existing infestation. They can also help you understand how to protect wood furniture from termites and how to save furniture from termites over time.
Choose Termite-Protected Materials for New Furniture
When buying new furniture, protection starts with the materials you choose. Termite- and borer-proof plywood is plywood that has been treated as part of its manufacturing process to improve its resistance to wood-damaging pests. It is good for new furniture projects, but it will not get rid of an infestation that is already in other furniture or in the building.
Royale Touche is a manufacturer of termite- and borer-proof plywood with 4X TER-BO KILL technology. The technology involves a four-stage preservative treatment that includes vacuum pressure treatment of the veneers, preservative treatment in resin, glue-line treatment and surface treatment.
No material can ever guarantee that termites will not occur, but proper installation, moisture control, and regular inspection are still important.
Plywood for wardrobes and plywood for beds is also worth looking into when planning new furniture.
Conclusion
The trick to knowing how to get rid of termites in furniture is to identify the signs, treat the affected piece appropriately and address the conditions that attract termites. “Routine inspections, dry conditions and proper finishes can help to reduce future risk.
If you are looking for new furniture, consider termite- and borer-proof plywood from Royale Touche and visit the store finder to discuss which materials would be best for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if furniture has termites?
Look for wood that sounds hollow, tubes of mud, small holes, fine rubbish, discarded wings. A pest control specialist can determine if termites are the culprit.
Can termite-infested furniture be saved?
Yes, we can treat furniture with slight damage. However, furniture that has been badly damaged may need specialist repair or replacement. Whether it can be saved will depend on the amount of internal damage.
What kills termites in wood?
The right termite treatment products and professional pest control methods can eliminate termites. Select products labelled for the use you intend. Follow the safety instructions on the product.
Can termites spread from furniture to a house?
Yes. Termites can migrate from furniture to nearby wood structures or into the building. An infestation should be looked at beyond the item that is visibly damaged.
Is plywood safe from termites?
Ordinary plywood is not automatically resistant to termites. Specially treated plywood can be more resistant, but the level of protection depends on the treatment you choose and the product itself. There is no material that will promise you will not be infested.
How to Get Rid of Termites in Cabinets
Remove loose debris, inspect the cabinet and surrounding areas, and apply a suitable labelled treatment if required. If the infestation is severe, or on fixed cabinetry and walls, get a pest control professional.
How to Get Rid of Termites in Kitchen Cabinets
Check the bottom of the cabinet, joints and areas where plumbing is located for water and termites. Seal any leaks and use a suitable treatment for the material and situation. If the infestation gets into the walls or floors, get a professional.
How to get rid of termites in the wardrobe?
If possible, move the wardrobe away from damp walls, check the back and bottom and remove any loose debris. If the wood is badly damaged, treat it with a suitable product or seek professional advice.
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