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As people continue to pursue quality of life, wooden floors have become the first choice for many home decorations due to their natural texture and elegant appearance. However, while solid wood floors bring a comfortable experience, there is also a problem that cannot be ignored – insects. Once an insect infestation occurs, it will not only destroy the beauty and structure of the floor, but may also affect the entire home environment in severe cases. This article will systematically explain the insect prevention strategy for solid wood floors from multiple dimensions such as floor selection, installation, daily maintenance to pest treatment, to help you build a lasting and safe living space.

1. Why do solid wood floors get insects?

Solid wood floors come from natural wood and contain nutrients that insects like, such as wood fiber, starch, and sugar. They are a natural "hotbed" for some insects. Common insect pests include termites, powder beetles, wood borers, black-winged earth termites, etc. These insects invade the interior of the floor through tiny cracks, joints, or the back of the floor on the surface of the wood, quietly destroying the floor structure, and eventually causing the wood floor to hollow, collapse, or even rot.

The main reasons for the infestation of solid wood floors include:

The wood itself has not been strictly treated with insecticides

The ground was not dry during installation, and the high humidity provided a breeding ground for the incubation of insect eggs

The home is damp and poorly ventilated

Using floors made of inferior, recycled wood

The floor has not been cleaned for a long time, hiding insect eggs or food residues

2. Material selection is the key: prevent pests from the source

To achieve effective pest control, we must first start with the selection of floor materials:

2.1 Choose solid wood floors of regular brands and mature processes

Solid wood floors of regular brands will undergo strict drying, degreasing, insecticide, antiseptic, mildew prevention and other treatments before leaving the factory, which can effectively reduce the risk of pests.

2.2 Give priority to natural insect-resistant wood species

Not all wood is prone to infestation. For example, black walnut, teak, rosewood, balsam pea, etc. naturally contain insect repellent oils or special odors, which have a natural inhibitory effect on pests. Some ordinary miscellaneous woods, such as poplar and pine, are more likely to attract insects.

2.3 Check the moisture content of wood

The moisture content of the floor should be controlled at 8%-12%. If it is too high, it is easy to absorb moisture and mold, and breed pests; if it is too low, it is easy to crack. Regular manufacturers usually mark the moisture content on the product label, so be sure to check it before purchasing.

3. Installation precautions: Insect prevention details cannot be ignored

Floor paving is a key stage in the service life and pest control of solid wood floors. The following points cannot be ignored:

3.1 Ground foundation treatment

Before laying the floor, it must be ensured that the ground is dry, flat, and free of water. Construction workers should use moisture-proof membranes or moisture-proof mats to effectively prevent ground moisture from penetrating into the wood board.

3.2 Add an insect-proof layer

You can add an insect-proof net or spray insect repellent (such as borax, cypermethrin, etc.) on the base layer to build an "insect-proof barrier" in advance.

3.3 Pay attention to corner sealing

Inadequate corner treatment can easily provide a hiding place for pests. Environmentally friendly sealants must be used to seal the walls, skirtings, and joints to prevent insects from invading the channel.

4. Daily maintenance: Develop good habits to prevent insects for a longer period of time

The daily use and maintenance of the floor determines the durability of pest control. The following suggestions can greatly reduce the probability of pests:

4.1 Keep it ventilated and dry

Especially during the rainy season and before and after heating in the north, it is necessary to ensure good indoor ventilation to avoid the floor being in a humid environment for a long time. You can use a dehumidifier or air conditioner dehumidification function.

4.2 Clean regularly

If dust and food residues on the floor surface are not removed in time, it is easy to nourish insect eggs. It is recommended to clean it once a week with a clean rag or electrostatic mop to avoid using a lot of water.

4.3 Use special floor essential oils for maintenance

Some insect-resistant wood floor care essential oils (such as lemon eucalyptus and camphor oil ingredients) have an insect repellent effect and can form a protective layer on the floor surface. It is recommended to maintain it once a quarter.

4.4 Avoid large areas of water accumulation

Water stains should be wiped dry in time to prevent them from seeping into the gaps in the floor and causing mildew and insect pests. Try to avoid laying solid wood floors in kitchens, balconies, and bathrooms.

5. Identify early signs of pests

Identifying signs of pests in time will help to deal with them and control their spread as soon as possible:

Small insect holes and powdery sawdust appear on the floor surface

Slight chewing and crawling sounds are heard at night

A piece of floor becomes soft and hollow

Black insect eggs and white borers are found under the floor

If the above abnormalities are found, the source of the insects should be checked immediately and the treatment process should be started.

6. Methods for dealing with solid wood floor pests

If solid wood floors have been infested with insects, appropriate treatment methods should be selected according to the degree of infestation:

Mild insect infestation: Use professional wood insecticides to inject the agent into the insect holes, then fill them with wood putty and paint them closed.

Severe insect infestation: Partial replacement or overall renovation. When the infestation is widespread and has affected the stability of the floor structure, professional floor maintenance personnel should be asked to handle or even replace it in time.

7. Avoid misunderstandings about insect prevention

During the actual decoration and use process, many people have misunderstandings about insect prevention of solid wood floors:

Misunderstanding 1: Using high-grade wood will not breed insects

Even black walnut and teak may be eaten by insects, and insect prevention cannot rely solely on the material.

Misunderstanding 2: Spraying insecticide is foolproof

Insecticides are only effective against insect bodies and cannot completely eliminate insect eggs. Systematic prevention is still needed.

Misunderstanding 3: Only old houses have insects, and new floors are not afraid

The incubation period of insect pests can be as long as several months, and new houses are more likely to cause insect pests due to construction moisture.

The beauty of solid wood floors lies in their naturalness and maintenance. If you want to keep the beautiful wood floors as new after many years, insect prevention is an indispensable part. From purchase, installation to daily maintenance, we need to manage meticulously and pay attention to every detail.

If you need to customize wooden floors, please leave a message for communication, and we will provide you with more professional advice and services.

http://www.boruiwoodfloor.com
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