How to Get Rid of Termites

Quick Facts on How to Get Rid of Termites:

• Get rid of dry wood termites by using boric acid baits or injecting wood with pesticides.
• Kill subterranean termites by releasing beneficial nematodes into the soil or using termite baits.
• Contact a professional pest control company to take care of large infestations.
• There are other natural means to get rid of termites in your home.

Termites are serious pests that can cause serious damage to a house, but they are not invincible. In most cases, you can get rid of them yourself. We’ll take you through how to get rid of termites, and further give you tips on how to avoid their infestation.

None of the insects or other pests is more dangerous than termites and because of their potentially damaging effects, we have researched the best possible ways to get rid of these slow-eating insects. Don’t be confused, although they are slow eaters, if left alone, termites can at through wooden and plant-based materials until there’s nothing left. You can also read our previous articles on how to get rid of houseflies. They’ll be helpful to you too.

It is reported that termites cause over $1 billion in property damage each year, so it is important to educate yourself about them since your home is built with some degree of wood-based materials,

Types of Termites

1. DryWood Termites

Drywood termites need moisture from humidity and wood and can access homes through exposed wood or furniture and build nests in dry wood. They are found mainly in the South and Southwest and can hold up to 2,500 members.

2. Subterranean Termites

Termites prefer warm, humid climates and live in soil under and around homes, entering through mud tubes. They have a creamy brown colour and build honeycomb-shaped patterns in damaged wood.

3. Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites prefer damp wood, particularly damaged or directly in contact with the ground, and are brownish in color. They do not make tunnels like subterranean termites.

4. Formosan Termites

The Formosan is a destructive subterranean termite species known to reproduce faster and consume more wood than other native species and is often seen in warm climates such as the South. It can be up to 300 feet long and build mud nests inside the walls of buildings.

The majority of the termites that destroy belong to the subterranean species.

What Attracts Termites to a House?

Termites are attracted to wood, moisture, and holes or cracks in outdoor pipes and guttering.

Guide on How to Get Rid of Termites

1. Inspect for Signs of Termite Infestation

Checking for termite indications is the first step in effectively eliminating termites from your house and keeping them under long-term control. Look around the woodwork surrounding windows and doors, baseboards and floors, behind wall voids, and in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Since bathrooms and kitchens offer convenient access to food and water supplies, termites prefer these wet areas.

2. Seal off Cracks and Crevices

Termites love to enter homes through cracks or crevices, and can chew through bricks, mortar joints, and wood siding. To protect against them, caulk all penetrations around these areas with a high-grade silicone product and caulk the wooden siding’s entire foundation and bottom course.

3. Use Chemicals

Termiticide is a non-repellent pesticide that inhibits chitin synthesis in termites, leading to their death. Spray it in areas where they have been found to be active, including cracks in walls, holes in floors, gaps around pipes and wires, and windows, doors, and electrical outlets.

4. Install steel mesh around crawl spaces, chimneys, vents, and pipes

Wood Treatment for Termites

There are several things you can try to prevent or get rid of these cellulose-eating bugs. It must be noted that the following goods are chemicals!

Bora-Care

Bora-Care is a low-toxicity wood preservative with a low environmental impact that is safe for people and pets, but destructive for insects. It prevents infestations and kills existing ones.

Termite Bombs

Pesticide foggers are commonly called “bug bombs” and contain termiticide, a liquid insecticide, which disperses a fog of pesticide into the air. However, they are not recommended for eradicating termite infestation from an entire house due to their lack of penetration and toxicity.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Termites can be found in three types of homes: dry wood, subterranean, and damp wood. Before taking any measures to eradicate them, it is important to identify the type and identify tell-tale signs. If you notice the following, it could be a sign of termite infestation in your home:

How to Prevent Future Infestations

Termites can cause thousands of dollars of damage to homes, so it is important to call a professional and use proper eradication methods. After clearing your home, maintain it dry, seal any cracks or crevices, and keep firewood off your property to prevent re-infestation