Hey everyone! I'm new to woodworking and came across this stunning old wooden crate that just needs a little TLC. The only issue? It seems to have some termites. I'm not entirely sure if they're still active since some areas look empty while others have dust, which could be from the termites or just me working on it. I'd hate to throw it away because it's such a beautiful handmade piece! My professor thinks it might be better to get rid of it, but I'm determined to try and save it.
Are there any methods or home remedies for getting rid of these pests? I'm curious if anything from a workshop can help or if there are good products I can buy. Thanks for reading my post! I wish I could share photos of the crate, but sadly, I can't upload them here.
37 Answers
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Termites can be tough to get rid of! A lot of folks recommend using strong pesticides like gas or specific products like Termidor. Just be careful about using them in a space where they might spread. It's probably better to follow your professor's advice on this one, unfortunately.
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When identifying what's wrong, can you differentiate between termites and other pests like Powder Post Beetles? Termites have their ways of getting taken out—heat, cold, or gas will do the job. But some wood-boring insects can weaken the wood even after they’re gone, so you might want to be careful. If you think you’ve got a different pest, it could be beneficial to alert maintenance at your school or check your home for other infestations.
The holes I saw were about 1mm wide. Does that sound like termites or something else? If needed, I can try to get a picture at some point.
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There are safe chemical options at most stores that can do the trick! Products like Fipronil or Permethrin are quite effective against termites. Just keep in mind you may need to spray multiple times or really saturate the wood. If you can take the crate to a pest control store, staff there can help identify the termites and recommend the right course of treatment.
Thanks! I’ll check with my professor about local stores. Fingers crossed they have what I need!
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Actually, heat is a pretty effective way to kill termites too! Just make sure you have the right equipment. If you can find a wood kiln that can keep the temperature high for a while, that would be awesome. Just be cautious; if you have termites in one piece of wood, the others might have them too!