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How to Kill Termites - Proactive Steps for Homeowners - blog featured image.

How to Kill Termites: Proactive Steps for Homeowners

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Termites. Just the word can send shivers down the spine of any homeowner, and for good reason. These tiny pests can cause serious damage to your home if left unchecked. But don't worry! With some proactive steps and a bit of elbow grease, you can keep these wood-munching menaces at bay.

Introduction

Termites are small, wood-destroying insects that can wreak havoc on your home's structure. Early detection and prevention are crucial to avoiding extensive damage and costly repairs. After all, it's better to nip the problem in the bud before it becomes a full-blown termite infestation.

Signs of termites damaging a wooden structure in a home.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Subterranean Termites, Dampwood Termites, and More

Before you start battling termites, you need to know what you're up against. Here are some common signs to look out for:

  • Mud Tubes: These pencil-sized tunnels are used by subterranean termites to travel between their colony and food source. There are Formosan subterranean termites as well as Eastern subterranean termites.

  • Wood Damage: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. Tap on wood around your home—if it sounds hollow, termites might be to blame. Dampwood termites prefer wet wood and do not need contact with the ground to thrive.

  • Termite Droppings: Also known as frass, these tiny pellets are a sign of drywood termites. If there is a substantial amount of frass, it is likely you are dealing with a drywood termite infestation.

  • Discarded Wings: Swarmers (reproductive termites) shed their wings after mating. Finding these around windowsills or door frames is a clear sign.

  • Bubbling Paint or Uneven Floors: These can indicate termites lurking underneath.

  • Live Termites:Lastly, see live termites crawling around is a dead giveaway that you likely have an issue and will need termite treatments.

During your termite inspection, you may notice insects that look similar to flying ants. Termites, however, have several differences. Termites have a set of wings that are the same size, whereas ants have differently-sized wings. Ants also have a much thinner middle section of their bodies.

Regular inspections of your home's foundation, crawl spaces, and attics can help catch these signs early.

Proactive Measures for Termite Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so here are some tips to make your home less attractive to termites:

  • Landscaping Tips:

  • Keep woodpiles away from your home, preferably 20 feet from the foundation.

  • Maintain a gap between the soil and wooden parts of your home to discourage subterranean termites.

  • Ensure appropriate drainage around your home to prevent the build-up of standing water, which may attract termites.

  • Home Maintenance Tips:

  • Fix leaks immediately, as termites are attracted to moisture.

  • Seal any cracks in your home's foundation to block entry points.

  • Use termite-resistant materials when building or renovating.

DIY Termite Treatment Options

For those who like to take matters into their own hands, there are several DIY treatment options available:

Natural Treatments

  • Orange Oil: Effective against drywood termites. Apply directly to the infested areas.

  • Nematodes: These microscopic worms are natural predators of termites. Release them in the soil around your home.

  • Borax (Borate): A natural insecticide that can be applied to wood surfaces to get rid of termites and prevent future termite infestations.  A product like Bora-Care can treat the wood for long-lasting results.

Chemical Treatments

  • Termite Baits: Install termite bait stations around your home. Termites ingest the bait and carry it back to the colony, eventually wiping it out.

  • Liquid Termiticides: Apply these chemicals to the soil to create a barrier that kills termites on contact. A pest control subscription box has perimeter sprays and aerosols effective against drywood termites.

Safety Precautions

  • Always wear protective gear (gloves, masks, goggles) when handling chemicals.

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and effective application.

A Word of Caution

While natural treatments can be effective, they often work slower and may not eliminate a severe infestation. If you're battling a large termite colony, it's best to combine DIY treatments with professional help.

Termites causing extensive damage to wood structures of a home.
When you notice extensive termite damage to your home, we recommend calling a pest control professional to eliminate the problem.

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Company

There comes a time when even the most dedicated DIY enthusiast needs to call in the pros. Here are some indicators that it's time to get professional help:

  • Extensive damage to your home's structure.

  • Persistent infestations despite multiple DIY treatments.

  • Lack of confidence in handling chemicals safely.

Professional pest control companies have the expertise, tools, and chemicals needed to effectively eradicate even the most stubborn termite colonies. They can also conduct thorough inspections to ensure no termites are hiding in hard-to-reach areas.

A Final Word on Termite Infestations

To recap, early detection and prevention are your best allies in the battle against termites. Regular inspections, proper home maintenance, and a combination of natural and chemical treatments can keep these pests at bay. However, don't hesitate to call a professional if the infestation is beyond your control.

Remember, vigilance is key. Stay proactive, keep an eye out for signs of termite activity, and maintain a termite-free home. And if you're ever in doubt, reach out to a professional pest control company for an inspection.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to evicting any unwanted six-legged squatters and safeguarding your home. Got any termite horror stories or extra tips? Share them in the comments below!

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