How To Get Rid Of Termites: Commons Signs & Control Measures
As a homeowner, discovering a termite infestation in your home can be the worst nightmare. These silent destroyers can wreak havoc on your property, causing extensive damage before you even notice their presence. To safeguard your home, it’s crucial to be vigilant and informed about the signs of a termite infestation and implement effective control measures.
In this article, we will tell you what you should know about the common signs of termite infestation in your home and the measures you can take to get rid of these resilient pests.
Signs of Termite Infestation
For starters, here are some of the signs that termites might be in your home:
Mud Tubes: Termites construct mud tubes to protect themselves from predators and maintain a controlled environment. These pencil-sized tunnels can be found on the exterior walls, foundation, or crawl spaces of your home.
Wood Damage: Termites feed on cellulose found in wood, causing damage to the structure of your home. Look for hollow-sounding or evidence of termite damage of wood, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as basements and attics.
Hence, any wood damage should be an invitation to assess the possibility of termites at your home.
Swarmers: Termite swarmers, or winged termites, are reproductive individuals that emerge from colonies to establish new nests. If you notice discarded wings near windowsills or on the floor, it may indicate a recent termite swarm.
Frass (Termite Droppings): Termite droppings, also known as frass, resemble tiny pellets and can be found near termite nests. This is a clear indication of an active infestation, particularly in areas with wooden structures.
Clicking Sounds: Soldier termites are known to produce clicking sounds when disturbed. Place your ear close to a suspected infestation site, such as walls or wooden structures, and listen for these subtle noises.
Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows: Termite infestations can cause wood to warp, leading to difficulties in opening and closing doors and windows. If you notice sudden changes in these fixtures, it might be a sign of termite damage.
Control Measures Against Termites
Once you assess the signs that point to the presence of termites in your homestead, do not panic once you find them. When combating termites, there are proven measures that you can take to effectively deal with them before they can wreak havoc in your home.
From soil treatment to utilising termite baits, using wood treatment and fumigation, you can get rid of termites from your homestead. The following measures will come in handy when you want to deal with the insects:
Identify Termite Species: There are various termite species, each requiring specific treatment methods. Identifying the type of termites infesting your home is crucial for effective control. It is best to consult with an Integrated Pest Management professional like Boston Pest Control service to conduct a thorough inspection and provide accurate identification. This will make it easy to identify specific measures to take.
Soil Treatment: Applying liquid termiticides to the soil around your home’s foundation creates a barrier that repels termites. This method is effective for preventing termite entry and is commonly used during construction or as a post-construction treatment.
Termite Baits: Termite baits consist of slow-acting toxins that termites carry back to their colonies, effectively eliminating the entire population. Install bait stations around the perimeter of your home, and monitor them regularly for signs of termite activity.
Wood Treatment: Applying wood treatments, such as borate-based solutions, directly to wooden structures can protect against termite infestations. These treatments act as a deterrent, making the wood unappealing to termites.
Heat Treatment: Raising the temperature within an infested area to lethal levels can eliminate termites. This method is particularly effective for localised infestations in wooden furniture for small spaces. Professional pest control services utilise specialised equipment for precise temperature control.
Fumigation: Tent fumigation is a comprehensive approach to termite control, involving enclosing the entire structure in a tent and introducing a lethal gas. This method ensures the complete eradication of termites but requires professional expertise and evacuation of the premises during treatment.
Home remedies to get rid of termites
There are certain remedies that you can try at home to get rid of the termites. Let’s check what those are:
Apply neem oil
Neem oil has a bitter smell, which acts as an insect repellent that not just kills wood insects but also bed bugs. It is also known for killing mosquitoes. This oil is a natural pest killer, and when you inject it into the wooden structure, it kills termites without having any other harmful effects from other chemicals.
Use clove oil
Clove oil and water are other effective termite-killing solutions that you can prepare at home. Take half a cup of water, use three drops of clove oil, and store it in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the area that is affected and watch how it kills the termites effectively.
Try orange oil
Never underestimate the orange oil when you are considering some home remedies for killing termites. The oil has d-limonene, the compound that is intolerable to pests and kills termites effortlessly. You can use water spray along with orange oil, and it kills termites and other pets in the most natural way.
Try white vinegar
White vinegar is something that most of the homes have in their kitchen. Take half a cup of water, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of white vinegar and form a solution. It is very effective in killing wood-loving insects.
Use diatomaceous earth
If you are thinking about what other termite killers you can use, then try Diatomaceous Earth. It kills not only termites but also carpenter ants. This is probably why it is recommended as one of the most popular natural pest killers.
Sprinkle boric acid
People often call it borax or boric acid. This is one of the best pest control solutions. It does not only kill termites, but it is also effective in killing cockroaches, ants, and bed bugs. It kills them when they come directly in contact with boric acid.
This powder holds the power to damage the nervous system of pets, and because of that, it is considered one of the best home remedies for killing termites.
Use aloe vera or petroleum jelly
If the above-mentioned solutions are not available at home, try using petroleum jelly or aloe vera to kill termites. Petroleum jelly has phenol, which is known to suffocate the termites, and aloe vera does the same as well. If you are thinking about how to get rid of termites, try these at home.
Salt is a good remedy
Common salt is an ingredient that is available in every household. Make a saltwater solution and store it in a bottle. Then, spray it on the affected areas inside the house. This solution is known to dehydrate the termites that are infesting the house and kill them.
Heat treatment
When nothing else is working, try some heat treatment and control termites in your home. They use hot air with an increased temperature of upto 120 degrees in the affected area. Continue this for almost half an hour. Applying heat for this amount of time is known to kill termites instantly.
Cold treatment
How to get rid of termites? Apply the solution, apply heat, and everything works, but applying cold treatment also works on termites. But cold treatments take longer to work than heat treatments. You need the temperature to drop by 15 degrees, and you have to keep that going for four consecutive days.
Wrapping up
Termites may be formidable opponents, but with vigilance and a proactive approach, you can protect your home from their destructive tendencies. You should first be on the lookout for common signs of a termite infestation and then employ appropriate control measures, so you can safeguard your property and enjoy peace of mind. Keep in mind that early detection and swift action are key to minimising the damage caused by these silent invaders. You should seek professional assistance from a pest control expert to ensure effective and thorough treatment.
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