by Donna
How to clean wood to prevent termites?
+7
I have a few wooden planters and enjoy using salvaged wood such as pallets or logs in my décor. I was recently made aware that I am inviting termites into my home. Is there a way to clean and seal these pieces to prevent termites?
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When I repainted some kitchen cabinetry I used T.S.P. and it cleaned REALLY well, all the grease, grime, and dirt wiped right off. If the wood you find is black or greasy, I'd definitely try the T.S.P. before putting it inside your home.
Pressure washing works, but it can embed dirt into the wood instead of getting it off the wood.
Sanding will help "clean" it up too.
I'd definitely look at putting PURE Tung Oil, which is non-toxic, on the pieces before putting them inside the house - this will help protect them and also brings out the color and grain of the wood.
I would be cautious about any termite treatment if you are going to use those planters for growing food.
Keep in mind all wood that has contact with soil has the potential to attract termites. Pressure-treated wood is typically resistant to termites. I would recommend placing some cement bricks underneath the planters so the wood doesn't come in contact with the soil.
I would recommend drying the wood out prior to bringing it into the house.
All wood should be seasoned off the ground and turned over periodically to prevent checking (cracking). Than to protect it you could use bar top epoxy pour to give them a real resistant finish.
I don't know how big these pieces are but if you are concerned that there may be termites in them buy some large trash bags or a couple of plastic drop cloths and contain the wood in the plastic. Spray a good bug killer inside the plastic and leave it for 24 hrs. As for covering the wood to preserve it use a good clear wood spray coating like polyurethane in a flat or satin luster. Make sure the wood is clean by brushing with a soft-bristle paintbrush or a scrub brush before applying the polyurethane.
Take items outside and paint and spray with Woodworm liquid or termite killer, so you will kill any eggs etc in the timber.
Use a borate-based wood sealer.
Buy a kit!
Have you considered switching to plastic planters?
You can also seal with termite resistant sealer, Home Depot or Lowes would carry these.