If you noticed mysterious little holes appearing in your wooden furniture, it’s time to act! Those small, circular holes are signs of a borer infestation. Wood borers in furniture are no joke, and if left untreated, they can cause serious damage. In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about treating wood borers in furniture, the culprits behind the damage, and how to keep your wood safe from future infestations.
What Are Wood Borers and Why Are They a Threat to Furniture?
Wood borers, also known as wood boring beetles, are insects that lay their eggs in wooden surfaces. The most common type of borer in furniture is the furniture wood beetle, a sneaky little creature that can wreak havoc on both antique heirlooms and modern wooden pieces. These beetles eat their way through the wood, creating those pin-sized holes and turning your once sturdy furniture into dust.
The adult wood beetles lay their eggs in the cracks or pores of the wood, and once the larvae hatch, they tunnel through the wood for nutrients. This tunnelling weakens the wood and can ultimately lead to structural damage. Left unchecked, wood boring beetles in furniture can ruin items beyond repair.
Signs You Have a Borer Infestation
Early detection is key to saving your furniture from these unwanted guests. Here are the common signs that show borer in furniture:
- Small, Round Holes: Look for tiny round holes about 1-2mm in diameter in your wooden furniture.
- Powdery Residue (Frass): If you notice a fine, powdery dust around your furniture, that’s the frass left behind by wood beetles as they bore through.
- Weakened Wood: If the wood feels brittle or starts to crumble when touched, the infestation is likely advanced.
Treating Wood Borers in Furniture
Getting rid of wood borers in furniture can be a challenge, but it’s definitely doable with the right approach. Here are some methods to effectively treat and eliminate these pests:
- Chemical Treatment: The most common way of treating wood borers in furniture is to use insecticidal paint specifically designed for wood boring insects. These paints penetrate the wood, killing the larvae and adults. For extensive infestations, fumigation might be necessary.
- Fumigation: At True Clean we offer a wood borer fumigation service. You can drop off your furniture and we will fumigate it, and you can collect it once we are done. The Process takes 7 days to complete.
How to Prevent Wood Borer Infestations
Prevention is always better than cure! To prevent wood beetles in furniture from becoming an issue, consider the following tips:
- Moisture Control: Wood boring beetles love damp conditions. Keeping humidity levels low in your home can make it less attractive to these pests.
- Treating Wood Surfaces: Regularly apply varnish or wood sealant to furniture, as treated surfaces are less appealing for beetles to lay their eggs.
- Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspecting your furniture, especially older or antique pieces, can help catch any signs of an infestation before it becomes serious.
Save Your Furniture Before It’s Too Late
If you’re worried about wood boring beetles in your furniture, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact True Clean today and let us help you protect your cherished pieces from further damage. Our experienced team knows exactly how to deal with these pests, ensuring your furniture stays as good as new!