Antique furniture is popular because its value has and will continue to increase over time. Imagine possessing something that dates back to when Magellan first set foot on the Philippines! Vintage items hold a lot of history and memories in them, having witnessed many generations pass before finding it’s way in your home. If only antiques could actually relay these stories!
Aside from being historical artifacts, antiques are known for their durability — that is, until termites manage to find their way in them. Your antique may not appear infested at first, only to discover a bunch of termites have already invaded your home and are happily gnawing on your precious antiques. You can do an immediate termite control action for infestations, but remember that the best thing to do is to leave it to professionals.
The easiest way to protect termites from your antique is, as always, prevention.
Check It Out!
Before purchasing your new piece, inspect if for small exit holes where termites and other pests may have been. This is a necessary for all new vintage (how contradicting) items that will enter your home, as once termites get in, all your other furniture and even your whole house will be in clear and present danger.
If one day you discover a particular item to be infested, let it air out in the sunlight. Keeping it in the sunlight for a maximum period of 4 hours may help to get rid of the termite problem. Inspect the rest of your furniture while you’re at it.
Be Careful Where You Place Your Item
Why bother purchasing an antique item if you plan to keep it in the attic or in the stock room? You’re certainly not helping yourself avoid termites if you put your precious things there!
Termites love damp and moist places. Never place your vintage furniture in an area that is so obviously attractive to termites. One more thing, do not expose your antiques to the soil and (duh) termite-infested wood.
Use Non-chemical Products!
You’re a vintage lover, right? So I’m sure you wouldn’t want your antiques to be damaged while getting rid of the termites. Use only non-chemical product for termite control as much as possible, as natural products would pose less of a threat to your vintage piece than dangerous chemicals. You’ll be able to keep the actual grain or wood finish of your piece even after the fumigation.
Some natural termite repellents are garlic and neem. Or just go to your kitchen and grab some salt. Mix it with water, making sure you will have a salt solution saltier than the Pacific ocean. Sprinkle it on the termite holes.
Termites hate salt – including salty soil – so the saltier, the better. This is because salt dehydrates termites and eventually kills them.
Don’t hide it!
Display it! You have all the bragging rights to do so. After all, it’s vintage. Who doesn’t love vintage? Hiding your antiques will do it no good, and you will only be giving the termites an opportunity to infest it. Have your antiques out in the open, where it’s exposed to fresh air and bright sunshine. This is much better for your items, and will keep the bugs away.
Vintage items are precious. Imagine how many generations took care of those antiques before the items find its way to you. So don’t take them for granted. They may be old, but they are gold.