Professional Tips: How to Get Rid of Termites in Your Home
There have been times when you have heard that creepy, daunting creak from within the walls and you’ve suspected that things other than time were chewing away at your house. Yes, termites can be stealthy yet devastating, and can compromise the longevity of your home. If you don’t nip a termite infestation in the bud and address it quickly, you’re looking at some costly home repairs. This post will help you get a professional perspective and some useful next steps.
1. Understanding Termites
Types of Termites:
Subterranean Termites: Their colonies are built in the soil and cause mud tubes to access their food sources going to and fro on the surface.
Drywood Termites: They tend to nest within dry wood, including wood of furniture and buildings.
Dampwood Termites: Found commonly in wood with high moisture content and not as widespread in drier climates.
Identifying Termites:
You need to know the difference between a termite and an ant. Termites have straight waist and straight antennae, and the wings are of same lenght. Ants have pinched wasists, bent antennae, and their wings are of unequal lenght.
2. Signs of a Termite Infestation
Keep an eye out for:
Mud Tubes: These pencil-sized dirt tunnels are often found on exterior walls or foundations.
Discarded Wings: After swarms, typically seen near windows or doors.
Frass: These termite droppings resemble tiny, wood-colored pellets.
Tank: To test for damage, gently tap on your wood; if it sounds hollow from the inside, termites may be a problem.
Swarmers: The presence of winged termites can indicate an active colony.
3. Professional Termite Treatment Options
Liquid Termiticides: These barriers are applied around and under your home to keep termites out. The chemicals are Fipronil and Imidacloprid (or something similar).
Baiting Systems: Stations of bait are positioned around the house to lure termites. The insects ingest it and return to the nest, poisoning it over time.
Foam Termiticides: If an area is infested, a foam termiticide is applied to destroy the bedding in the infested place. It is sprayed into walls or under floors.
4. DIY Termite Control Methods
Noxious Essential Oils: Mixtures such as orange oil or neem oil often deter termites from their activities. Early infestations can even be combatted by DIY ‘repellent sprays’.
Boric Acid: In combating termites, you can spray this on wood to repel and eliminate termite colonies. Be careful and follow the safety procedures.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle around potential entry points to dehydrate and kill termites on contact.
Cardboard Traps: For small-scale infiltrations, this can be a good method. Termites are attracted to damp cardboard, and then thrown away.
5. Preventive Measures
Moisture Control: Seal your home and landscape properly to ensure moisture is diverted away from your home. Moisture attracts termites.
Wood and Debris Management: Store firewood, mulch, and other debris at least 18 inches away from the building.
Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with pest control professionals to catch infestations early.
Conclusion
if termites are left ignored the damage they can cause is irreversible. So, it is very important that if you think you might have termites to act quickly. We hope you find the professional tips and DIY methods listed above helpful in ensuring that your home is protected against the silent menace of termites.
Are you worried about termites? Call a local exterminator for a free inspection and plan for treatment. Act now!
Learn more about ant and termite prevention and control on https://e2f.cf1.myftpupload.com. Get the updates. Keep your home safe.
