How to check and protect your bathroom vanities from termites. 

Termites are one of the most damaging pests a homeowner can face. They silently consume wood from the inside out, often causing extensive damage before being detected. While most people associate termite infestations with floors, walls, or attics, bathroom vanities are also a prime target for these destructive pests.

For homeowners in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, where warm temperatures and humidity create the perfect environment for termite activity, knowing the early signs of termites in bathroom vanities is crucial. Recognizing these warning signs early can help prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.

1. Small Holes in the Wood

One of the earliest and most visible signs of a termite infestation in your bathroom vanity is the presence of tiny, round holes on the wood surface. These exit holes allow termites to push out waste and indicate an active infestation.

How to Identify Exit Holes:

• Look for holes about the size of a pinhead on vanity drawers, cabinet doors, and shelving.
• Inspect the bottom edges of the vanity where it meets the floor.
• Check behind the vanity, if accessible, as termites often hide in hard-to-reach areas.

2. Frass (Termite Droppings) Near the Vanity

Unlike subterranean termites, which rely on soil for moisture, drywood termites live entirely within the wood they infest. As they tunnel through bathroom vanities, they leave behind frass, or termite droppings.

Where to Look for Frass:

• Small piles of pellet-like droppings near the vanity base.
• Accumulation of frass inside drawers or along cabinet seams.
• Droppings on bathroom floors near wooden cabinetry.

These droppings resemble grains of sand or small wood-colored pellets. If you find frass around your bathroom vanity, termites are likely inside.

3. Warped or Swollen Wood

Bathroom vanities are frequently exposed to moisture, which makes them even more attractive to termites. As termites consume the wood from within, they can weaken its structure, causing warping, swelling, or bubbling in the vanity’s surface.

Signs of Warped Wood Due to Termites:

• Drawers or cabinet doors that do not close properly.
• Wood surfaces that feel uneven or wavy.
• The appearance of raised or distorted grain patterns.

If your vanity is suddenly difficult to open or close, it could be due to structural damage caused by termites rather than just humidity.

4. Hollow-Sounding Wood When Tapped

Since termites eat wood from the inside out, your bathroom vanity may look intact on the surface but be hollow underneath. A simple knock test can help determine if termites have been active inside.

How to Perform a Knock Test:

• Lightly tap different areas of the vanity with your knuckles.
• Listen for a hollow, papery, or dull sound, which may indicate internal termite damage.
• Compare different sections—undamaged wood should have a solid sound, while infested wood will feel weak.

5. Discarded Termite Wings Near the Vanity

Termites go through a swarming phase where winged reproductive termites leave their current colony to establish new ones. Once they find a suitable location, they shed their wings.

Where to Look for Discarded Wings:

• On the bathroom floor near the vanity.
• Inside drawers or cabinets.
• Around windowsills or light fixtures near the bathroom.

If you find a pile of tiny, translucent wings, it is a sign that termites may have entered your home and settled in the vanity.

6. Clicking or Tapping Noises Inside the Vanity

While termites are often silent, large infestations can produce audible clicking or tapping sounds. This noise comes from soldier termites banging their heads against the wood to warn the colony of danger.

How to Detect Termite Noises:

• Place your ear close to the vanity surface.
• Listen for faint clicking, tapping, or rustling sounds inside the wood.
• Conduct this test in a quiet environment, as termite sounds can be subtle.

7. Loose or Peeling Paint on the Vanity

As termites tunnel through bathroom vanities, they introduce moisture into the wood, which can cause paint or laminate surfaces to peel or bubble. This damage often mimics water damage, making it easy to overlook as a sign of termites.

Signs to Look For:

• Blistering, peeling, or cracked paint on the vanity surface.
• Areas where paint feels soft or easily flakes off.
• Sudden discoloration in certain spots.

8. Cracked or Splitting Wood

In advanced termite infestations, structural damage becomes severe enough to cause visible cracks and splits in the vanity wood.

Signs of Severe Termite Damage:

• Large cracks running along the wood grain.
• Vanity sections that feel loose or fragile.
• Pieces of wood breaking off with minimal pressure.

If termite damage reaches this stage, professional intervention is necessary to prevent further destruction.

What to Do If You See Signs of Termites in Your Bathroom Vanity

If you notice any of the above warning signs, it is essential to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Here are the next steps:

1. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection

Contact McDonald Pest Control for a thorough assessment. A professional inspection can determine the extent of the infestation and recommend the best treatment plan.

2. Consider Treatment Options:

• Drywood Termite Heat Treatment: A professional heat treatment that eliminates termites inside the vanity without using chemicals.
• Localized Termiticide Injection: A targeted approach that injects termite treatment directly into the infested areas.
• Fumigation (Tent Treatment): If the infestation has spread beyond the vanity, whole-home fumigation may be necessary.

3. Implement Preventative Measures:

• Seal Cracks and Entry Points: Use caulk to close gaps where termites might enter.
• Reduce Moisture Levels: Install proper ventilation in the bathroom to reduce humidity.
• Schedule Annual Inspections: Regular termite checks can catch infestations early.

Contact McDonald Pest Control to Protect Your Bathroom Vanity from Termites

A termite infestation in your bathroom vanity is more than just a minor inconvenience—it can cause significant structural damage if left untreated. By learning to recognize early warning signs, homeowners in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties can take proactive steps to prevent costly repairs.

If you suspect termites in your bathroom vanity, do not wait until the damage worsens. Contact McDonald Pest Control for expert termite inspection and treatment services.

Call today to schedule an appointment.