A Hidden Threat in Your Home

When most homeowners think of termites, they imagine them lurking in walls or wooden beams. However, drywood termites can also infest kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and even wooden furniture. These destructive pests don’t need soil to survive; instead, they burrow directly into dry wood, often going unnoticed until serious damage has occurred.

In Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, where warm and humid conditions create the perfect breeding ground for termites, early detection is key. If you suspect your cabinets may have termites, this guide will help you identify the warning signs before it’s too late.

Common Signs of Termites in Cabinets

1. Small Pinholes in the Wood

One of the first signs of drywood termites in kitchen cabinets is the appearance of tiny, round holes on the wood’s surface. These are exit holes that termites use to push waste (frass) out of their tunnels.

2. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Unlike subterranean termites that rely on moisture, drywood termites live inside wood and create tunnels, leaving behind small, pellet-like droppings near their exit holes. If you see a pile of what looks like sawdust or coffee grounds inside or around your cabinets, it’s a red flag.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Termites feed from the inside out, hollowing out wood without affecting its outer appearance—at first. Tap on your cabinets; if they sound hollow or brittle, termites may already be inside.

4. Warped or Bubbling Cabinet Wood

As termites eat away at the wood, it may start to warp, bubble, or crack. Homeowners often mistake this for humidity damage, but in termite-prone areas like Florida, it’s worth investigating further.

5. Clicking Noises from Inside the Cabinets

Termites aren’t silent invaders. When disturbed, soldier termites bang their heads against the wood to signal danger to the colony. If you put your ear close to your cabinet and hear faint tapping or rustling sounds, it could be termites at work.

6. Discarded Wings Near Your Cabinets

Termite swarmers (winged termites) leave their colony to start a new one, often shedding their wings in the process. If you find tiny, translucent wings near your cabinets, termites may have already moved in.

Why Are Cabinets a Target for Drywood Termites?

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are highly susceptible to drywood termites for several reasons:

✔ They Are Made of Dry, Untreated Wood – Many cabinets are constructed from softwood or plywood, which drywood termites find easy to chew through.

✔ They Provide an Undisturbed Environment – Cabinets are usually closed, dark, and undisturbed, making them an ideal nesting place.

✔ They Can Be Infested Before Installation – If your cabinets were made from wood already carrying termites, you might not notice until they start causing damage.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Termites in Your Cabinets?

Step 1: Perform a DIY Inspection

If you suspect termites, grab a flashlight and check:

✅ Cabinet corners and seams for frass

✅ Small pinholes or cracks in the wood

✅ The integrity of the wood by pressing on it

Step 2: Call a Professional for a Termite Inspection

If you notice any warning signs, do not wait! Drywood termites spread quickly and can cause significant damage before you even realize they are there. McDonald Pest Control offers thorough termite inspections for homeowners in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

How to Prevent Termites in Your Cabinets

Once you’ve eliminated termites, the next step is preventing reinfestation. Here’s how:

✔ Seal Cracks and Crevices – Use caulk to seal any gaps around cabinets, especially in humid areas like the kitchen and bathroom. ✔ Use Termite-Resistant Wood – If you’re replacing cabinets, consider pressure-treated or termite-resistant wood. ✔ Apply a Protective Finish – A wood sealer or varnish can help deter termites from targeting exposed wood surfaces. ✔ Regular Inspections – Schedule annual termite inspections to catch any signs of activity before they become a problem.

Catch Termites Before It’s Too Late with McDonald Pest Control

Your cabinets are more than just storage—they’re an essential part of your home’s structure and style. Drywood termites can cause severe damage if left undetected, so knowing the signs can save you thousands in repairs. If you suspect an infestation, act fast to prevent further damage.

McDonald Pest Control specializes in drywood termite treatment for homeowners in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Contact us today for a free termite inspection and keep your cabinets termite-free!