How to Get Rid of Termites If You Suspect an Infestation
Act Quickly
Termites are pesky little creatures that mostly invade your home when the seasons change or after a brief period of rain. If you haven't had them previously, it means they are probably looking to create a new colony. Whenever you notice wings around the house, shelter tubes and blow holes in trees or just hear some of the noises they make from time to time, chances are that an infestation is imminent.
Termites are quite destructive; therefore you should do whatever you can to get rid of them before they establish a colony. The following are some of the strategies you can use to do so.
DIY Termite Treatments
A common DIY termite treatment is termite bait. Termite bait is a pest control tool that can be purchased at a local store and does not need any technical skills to implement. The only requirement is that you place it close to where the termites are.
From the way it is developed, the termites will be attracted to it and will attempt to feed on it. When they do, it will poison them, instantly solving the problem. This is not only beneficial as a remedy, it will also allow you to prevent any future termite infestations.
It is also beneficial because it is one of the least intrusive methods and is suitable for areas where the addition of chemicals such as pesticides would be unfavorable, such as in an organic garden. This method is also suitable for indoor use, however, be sure to exercise some caution around children and pets.
Another way to get rid of termites is to use over-the-counter pest control treatments. Most of these treatments will either be in liquid or powder form and could be dangerous if they are not handled correctly. The main advantage is that they are fast-acting, which means you will be able to see results almost instantly.
If you choose this method of elimination, be sure to make inquiries about the product or seek advice from a qualified professional.
Flooding and Sunlight
If the termites are outside, you are in luck. Termites do not thrive in extremely wet or hot conditions. Whenever you see small mud tubes in your garden or on your lawn, chances are there is a termite infestation. To get rid of them, all you will need to do is flood that area for a day or two. That will get rid of them.
If they are on a piece of wood or something similar, all you need to do is flip it over to face the sunlight. Mother Nature will do the rest.
Salty Solutions
Although a lot of people don't know it, salt is one of the best home remedies used for pest control. For this method, fill a jug with equal parts of salt and water. The ratios might be alarming, but it is better to make a highly saturated solution to ensure that the treatment is effective.
Once this is done, inject the solution into all affected areas. Give the solution some time to work, then check for results. If there are still termites left, repeat the process one last time to avoid a repeat infestation.
Cardboard Traps
Cardboard traps are not as common, but have worked quite well for those who have tried it. A cardboard trap is essentially strips of wet cardboard placed over the general area where the termites are. Termites are known to feed on cellulose, and cardboard is rich in it. For this reason, the termites will come out of hiding and get on the strips of wet cardboard.
Once you notice activity, take the termite infested cardboard outside and wrap it in plastic for disposal or burn it. Repeat this process until there are no more termites in the area.
Maintain Your Wooden Items
Termites require a certain amount of warmth and humidity to be able to settle in an area. Wood provides the perfect temperature in most cases, but may not provide enough humidity. For this reason, it is important to keep all the wooden elements in and around your house dry and properly maintained.
Termites cannot thrive on dry wood; therefore the chances of having an infestation are reduced significantly.
A termite invasion is a fairly common occurrence. There's not too much that can be done to avoid it, but once it begins, there are measures that can be taken to stop it. In the event that you have tried some of the methods mentioned above and nothing seems to work, chances are that the infestation is too severe and professional help will be required.
If this is the case, be sure to get one of the best exterminators in your area to take a look and give recommendations.
