Protect your kitchen cabinets from termites. 

Discovering drywood termites in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets can be alarming. These pests silently chew through wood, causing structural damage before you even notice them. Unlike subterranean termites, which require contact with soil, drywood termites live inside the wood they infest—making cabinets a prime target. If you’re a homeowner or property owner in Pinellas or Hillsborough County, you need to act fast to prevent further damage and learn how to treat cabinets for termites.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to identify the infestation, explore DIY treatments, and discuss when to call a professional pest control service like McDonald Pest Control for a safe and effective termite solution.

Step 1: Confirm the Presence of Termites in Your Cabinets

Before you can treat cabinets for termites, you need to make sure they are actually present. Here are the key signs of drywood termites in cabinets:

• Frass (Termite Droppings): Look for small, pellet-like droppings near cabinet corners and seams.
• Small Holes in the Wood: Termites create pinholes as exit points when pushing out waste.
• Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on your cabinets—if they sound hollow, termites may be inside.
• Bubbling or Warped Wood: Termites weaken the structure of wood, causing it to buckle or warp.
• Wings Near Cabinets: Drywood termites shed their wings after swarming. If you find tiny wings near your cabinets, they may have established a colony.

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to take action immediately.

Step 2: DIY Termite Treatment Methods

1. Heat Treatment for Termites in Cabinets

Heat treatment is a non-chemical method for eliminating termites. Since drywood termites cannot survive temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, exposing your infested cabinets to controlled heat can be an effective solution.

How to Do It:

• Use a heat gun to treat affected areas.
• If possible, remove the cabinet and place it in direct sunlight for several hours.
• Professional heat treatments can also be applied, where specialists heat the cabinets to 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit for four to six hours to eliminate termites.

Pros: Chemical-free, eco-friendly, and highly effective for localized infestations. Cons: Requires specialized equipment for large infestations and may not penetrate deep wood layers.

2. Spot Treatment with Borate-Based Products

Borate-based products like Bora-Care are excellent for treating drywood termites. Borates penetrate the wood, making it toxic for termites but safe for humans and pets.

How to Apply:

• Drill small holes in the termite-infested area.
• Inject a borate-based termite solution into the holes.
• Apply a liquid borate spray on the exterior of the cabinets to prevent future infestations.

Pros: Long-lasting protection, prevents new infestations. Cons: Not effective if termites have deeply infested the cabinet.

3. Orange Oil Treatment for Small Infestations

Orange oil contains d-limonene, which kills termites upon contact. While effective for localized infestations, it does not provide long-term protection.

How to Use It:

• Inject orange oil directly into termite tunnels and holes.
• Reapply every few weeks to ensure complete eradication.

Pros: Natural and non-toxic. Cons: Does not prevent future infestations and may require multiple applications.

Step 3: When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

While DIY methods may work for small termite infestations, larger or deeply rooted termite colonies require professional treatment. Here is when you should call McDonald Pest Control:

• Widespread infestation – If termites have spread beyond the cabinets.
• Recurring termite activity – If DIY treatments have failed and signs persist.
• Severe wood damage – If cabinets are crumbling or structurally compromised.
• Presence of termite swarmers – If you see winged termites inside your home.

Professional Treatment Options for Termite-Infested Cabinets

• Drywood Termite Heat Treatment – A professional-grade heat treatment heats the wood to 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit for complete elimination.
• Fumigation (Tenting Treatment) – A whole-home fumigation may be needed if termites have spread beyond the cabinets.
• Localized Termiticide Injection – Professionals inject non-repellent termiticides to kill colonies within the wood.

McDonald Pest Control uses safe, effective, and targeted treatments for homes in Pinellas and Hillsborough County to ensure complete termite eradication.

Step 4: Preventing Future Termite Infestations

Once you have treated your cabinets, take preventative measures to avoid another infestation:

• Seal Cracks and Gaps – Use caulk or wood sealant to close termite entry points.
• Use Termite-Resistant Wood – If replacing cabinets, opt for pressure-treated or naturally resistant wood.
• Reduce Indoor Humidity – Termites thrive in moisture; use a dehumidifier to keep cabinets dry.
• Regular Pest Inspections – Schedule annual termite inspections to catch infestations early.

Act Fast to Treat Cabinets for Termites – Call McDonald Pest Control

Termites in your cabinets do not just damage furniture—they can quickly spread to other areas of your home. By identifying the infestation early, choosing the right treatment method, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can protect your property and avoid costly repairs.

If you suspect termites in your kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, or wooden furniture, do not wait. McDonald Pest Control offers expert termite treatment services in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Call us today for a free termite inspection.