Unwanted Guests? Termite Prevention is Key to Getting Rid of These Bugs
Act Fast with Termite Treatment to Stop Infestations from Growing
Termites are tiny insects that feed on wood and can become very destructive if they create a colony in your home. If you suspect you have an infestation of termites, it is best to handle it as quickly as possible with termite treatment. Termites can cause quite a bit of damage before you even realize you have a problem.
Termites look too small to be able to do structural damage, but a whole colony can cause major issues. Termites cause over five billion dollars in repairs and property damage each year. They may look small, but they are mighty.
Types of Termites
There are over two thousand types of termite species, but the most common types you may encounter include: subterranean termites, formosan termites, dampwood termites, drywood termites, and conehead termites.
Explorer termites, also known as swarmers, go out in search of fresh food supplies. Once swarmer termites find a suitable place, the rest of the colony will shortly follow.
Inspecting Homes for Termites
It is recommended to inspect your home for termites at least once a year. A basic inspection is something that you can do on your own. However, if your home has wood that comes in contact with the ground, it’s recommended that you have a professional inspection done every few years.
During an inspection, you want to look for mud tubes, damaged wood, piles of wings, bubbling paint, or brittle drywall. You may or may not have any of these things currently happening in your home.
Termites will build a “mud tube” that runs vertically from the soil where their nest is, up to the wood where they will create their colony. If you do not see any mud tubes, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have a termite infestation. However, if you do see mud tubes, it is a sure sign of a termite infestation.
Swarmer termites shed their wings once they find a place to settle. They will use their wings to flee their nest when they are looking for a new food source. Once they get settled in, they shed their wings and live out the remainder of their lives in the wood structure. If you find piles of wings around your home, you shouldn’t dismiss them. This is a very common sign that you may have termites.
Termites are frequently referred to as “silent destroyers” because of how much damage they can cause before they are detected. Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Take the time to carefully inspect your home each year so you can catch them early.
What to Do About Termites
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a termite infestation in your home, there are some steps you need to take. First, don’t panic! You will have to act, but it is a problem that can be resolved with termite treatment.
You can call a professional to come out and assist with treatment, or you can attempt to exterminate them yourself.
DIY Termite Control Methods
There are two main methods of do-it-yourself termite control. Research the advantages and disadvantages of each method to determine if it sounds like something you will be able to take on and keep up with.
One method is to use liquid termiticides. Liquid termiticides are used to create a barrier to prevent termites from entering a structure. If termites can’t get in, that also means they won’t be able to get out. Termites must get back to the moist soil to get water to survive. If they are unable to, they will die.
Termite baits are the other method you can use. Termite baits are an alternative to putting chemicals into the soil. Once the bait is placed into the soil, the termites will find it, feed on it, and die.
How to Prevent Termites
There are steps you can take to help prevent a termite infestation. Chemical barrier pesticides can be applied to the soil around the structure. Some chemical barriers are used to kill termites, while others deter the termites.
If you trap the termites so that they are never able to get to your wooden structure, you will save yourself a lot trouble.
A wood treating process is another way to prevent a termite infestation. Wood treatments work well for subterranean and drywood termites. The wood is treated to prevent any termites from getting in.
When Do Termites Swarm?
Spring is swarming season for most types of termites. Warm temperatures and frequent rain cause the termites to stir up and begin to move around. The termites will go back and forth between your home and their nest in the soil.
