Termites are troublesome pests that invade homes and businesses, causing extensive damage by chewing through wood and compromising the structural integrity of your building.
As they nest behind walls, floor covering, crawl spaces, and insulation, an infestation can exist for many years before you detect it. That’s why termites are often called “silent destroyers.”
If you’re wondering how to get rid of termites, it’s necessary to know that calling in a professional pest exterminator is inevitable if the infestation is widespread!
Common Signs of a Termite Infestation
Termites are secretive creatures, which makes them hard to detect. Check your attic, wooden furniture, door and window frames, cracks and joints, floor joists, and fuse boxes.
Several telltale signs could indicate a termite infestation, including:
- Hollow-sounding wood when knocking or tapping
- Mud tubes
- Head-banging sound within the walls
- Swarm evidence, such as discarded wings
- Peeling or bubbling paint from damaged drywall
- Frass, or termite droppings, which look like ground pepper or sawdust
- Live termites
Effective Termite Prevention
Eradicating termites is better left in the hands of professionals as it requires specialized skills. However, some DIY methods can make your home less appealing to these pests and prevent an infestation.
A few DIY solutions include:
- Maintain a dry home, as termites can not survive without moisture for long periods
- Clean out gutters and pipes as they serve as the ideal hiding spots
- Fill any openings in your foundation and seal cracks or gaps in wood
- Avoid storing firewood against your home and keep it at least 20-30 feet away
- Use termite-resistant wood, like teak, when constructing your house
- Treat the soil before construction to create a chemical barrier that hinders termites
- Choose inorganic mulch made from rubber or gravel as regular mulch contains wood
No matter which measures you take, the best prevention method is to schedule regular termite inspections by a professional pest extermination company.
How To Get Rid of Termites
The sooner you detect a termite infestation and take measures to tackle it, the better the outcome will be. Here are some viable ways to eliminate termites from your property:
Locate and Identify Termites
First, determine where termites are active in your home. Then, identify what type of termites are present as treatment methods can differ for each species. For example, you can deter subterranean termites by creating termiticide barriers, while spot treatment can work for dry wood termites.
Contact a Professional
Professional termite exterminators can quickly determine the extent of the infestation and suggest the best course of action. They have the skills and training necessary to safely apply termiticides, which yield better results than DIY techniques.
Apply a Barrier Treatment
Creating a protective barrier by applying liquid termiticides in the soil is an effective way to prevent termite infestations. It kills termites as they eat the termiticide and spreads to other termites like a virus to eliminate large colonies.
Use Termite Baits
Termite baits contain cellulose-based foods with a slow-acting poison, which kills termites and is transmitted to other colony members by the infected termite.
Prevent Future Infestations
The best long-lasting solution is to contact a professional pest control company that will create tailor-made plans to eliminate existing termites and prevent future infestations.
Scheduling regular inspections will also help nip a potential infestation in the bud.
Getting Rid of Termites? Call Us!
Termites are some of the most dangerous pests a homeowner can encounter. While they may not pose an imminent threat by biting or stinging, they cause damage to your home by eating away at wooden structures.
If you suspect an invasion, it’s vital to act swiftly. Phenom Pest Contol provides effective termite control solutions with guaranteed results. Give us a call to schedule your inspection and receive a free quote today!
