Signs of termites in furniture
- Mud tubes or mud patches on the back, base or sides of cabinets and wardrobes, or on the wall behind them. These point to subterranean termites.
- Small piles of tiny pellets, like coarse sand or poppy seeds, on shelves or the floor below. These point to drywood termites.
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, feels soft, or crumbles at the edges.
- Bubbling or peeling laminate, or doors and drawers that suddenly stick.
- Discarded wings near windows or lights after a swarm.
Built-in vs freestanding
Built-in carpentry such as wardrobes and kitchen cabinets is fixed against walls and floors, so subterranean termites often reach it from the structure behind. Treating only the cabinet usually isn't enough. The operator needs to find where they're coming from. Freestanding furniture can carry drywood termites from one home to another, so a newly bought or second-hand piece is worth checking.
Not sure which you have? Read subterranean vs drywood termites, because treatment is different.
What to do first
- Don't spray or break open the mud tubes. Disturbing them can make termites move elsewhere and makes the operator's job harder.
- Take photos of the tubes, damage and any droppings.
- Empty the affected cabinet and check nearby furniture and skirting.
- Don't move the piece to another room until it's been inspected, especially if you suspect drywood termites.
Treatment options
- Baiting for subterranean termites: stations are placed on active mud trails and the termites carry the bait back to the colony. See baiting vs soil treatment.
- Local treatment such as foam injected into the wood, often used for drywood termites.
- Repair or replace badly damaged pieces after treatment, not before.
What it costs (indicative)
- Drywood foaming: from S$300 (Rentokil Singapore, Termite Treatment Price in Singapore).
- Baiting with monitoring: from S$700 per year (Rentokil Singapore, Termite Treatment Price in Singapore).
- Termite corrective work with a warranty in HDB flats: S$800–1,800 (KakiList, Pest Control Cost in Singapore (2026), updated Apr 2026).
Prices checked on 26 October 2026. These are published ranges and starting prices, not quotes. Your price depends on inspection. More in the termite price guide.
Questions
Are white ants the same as termites?
Yes. In Singapore, termites are often called white ants, although they aren't ants. They're pale, soft-bodied insects that feed on wood and other cellulose.
Can I save furniture with termites?
Often, if the damage is limited and the termites are treated. Badly damaged pieces may need repair or replacing. Ask the operator to assess it before you decide.
Why are termites in my new built-in wardrobe?
Subterranean termites can reach new carpentry from the wall or floor behind it, especially if there was activity before the renovation. That's why pre-renovation checks are worth doing.
Related
- Termite treatment
- Signs of termites in an HDB flat, and where to look
- Subterranean vs drywood termites: how to tell them apart
More guides
- Signs of termites in an HDB flat, and where to look
- Bed bugs after travel: how to avoid bringing them home
- How much does termite treatment cost in Singapore?
- Termite baiting vs soil treatment (chemical barrier)
- Bed bug treatment: cost and preparation checklist
- How to choose an NEA-licensed pest control operator
- How to tell if you have bed bugs
- Termite treatment for HDB flats
- Bed bug treatment: heat vs chemical, and how to prepare
- Subterranean vs drywood termites: how to tell them apart
- Pre-renovation termite treatment: is it worth it?
- Termites in a condo: working with your MCST
- Termite inspection before buying a landed home
- Bed bugs and second-hand furniture: check before you bring it home
- Bed bugs in a rented room or flat: a guide for tenants and landlords
Found termites in your furniture? Tell us what you're dealing with and we'll pass your request to up to 3 NEA-licensed operators who cover your area. It's free, with no obligation.