Termites are among the most disastrous insects that may invade your home.
These silent wood predators are able to cause massive property destruction on a large scale if not checked. With termites, it is critical that action is taken promptly to prevent further damage and expensive repairs.
Therefore, in the following blog post, we’ll provide a how-to guide on professional identification, treatment methods, and prevention measures for termite invasion so that you can recover your house from these pests.
Identifying Termites
The very first thing in the combat of termites is their identification. Commonly widespread termite species are subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites.
Subterranean termites build mud tubes, generally moving from their nest to the food source, while drywood infests dry, sound wood with no need to have contact with the soil.
Dampwood termites, however – as the name states -have a preference for moist, decaying wood. The main signs of infestation in homes are hollow or damaged wood, mud tubes, and discarded shed wings of termites near doors and windows.
Professional Termite Inspection
It is always highly advisable to hire a professional termite inspector to properly assess the extent of termite infestations and initiate appropriate treatment plan. These trained professionals are well conversant, have practical experience, and are backed by special equipment to identify termite activity and assess the entire extent of infestation.
Conducting visual inspections and utilising various tools for detecting moisture and termites (these tools may include fibre optic scopes and acoustic emission devices), an exterminator will thoroughly check every inch of your property as part of the initial inspection.
Treatment Options
After the termite identification and determination of the seriousness, professional treatment is necessary for complete eradication. Nonetheless, there are a number of treatment options available.
Liquid Termiticides
They are applied to the soil around the perimeter of your home or directly to the infested wood. These chemicals create a barrier through which termites cannot pass and kill them on contact.
Termite Bait Systems
They consist of bait stations installed in the ground around a house. Termites feed on the bait. Then, they return to the colony to share it with the others, thereby eliminating the colony.
Fumigation
The treatment is quite effective against heavy infestation. The structure is covered with a tent, and then a gas fumigant is introduced. It infiltrates the wood deeply, thus killing termites throughout the entire structure.
While each treatment has its pros and cons, the most appropriate type is determined by an evaluation of certain factors like the extent to which your home is infested, species of termites that are attacking it as well as how buildings in your neighborhood or region have been constructed.
Prevention against Termite
The prevention of further termite damage should ultimately revolve around strategies aimed at preventing future termite infestations. Some effective prevention strategies include:
Decrease moisture
Termites tend to go into places that reek of moisture. Thus, eliminate as many sources of excessive moisture as possible around your house. Repair leaking pipes, make sure proper drainage away from the foundation, and run a dehumidifier in areas like basements and crawl spaces, which might get damp.
Eliminate Wood-to-Soil Contact
Termites break into your home by direct wood-soil contact. Keep firewood and other lumber away from the house, and do not ever allow any wooden landscaping elements – like decks and fences – to come into direct contact with the soil.
Regular Inspections
Conduct regular termite inspections to enable detection of the infestation at an early stage before significant destruction occurs. The professionals may then identify the termite activity, which the naked eye is unable to perceive, and offer the right treatment options.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control
While the worst cases of termite infestations do require professional treatment, some DIY methods might also help against a small infestation or even be done regularly as a preventive measure.
- Termite bait stations can be installed along the exterior perimeter of your home to detect termite activity and attract termites away from the structure.
- Liquid termiticides – these are widely available at most home improvement stores. You can apply them around the exterior of your home following the instructions on the manufacturer’s label.
However, if possible, avoid jumping right into DIY termite controls as quick fixes, because the efficacy of these measures may not be that great against serious infestations, unlike professional treatments.
Engage Professional Pest Control Services
If you have very severe or repeating termite infestations, then it is best to leave the treatment in the hands of experts.
A pest control company offers competent professionals and specialised equipment to kill termites effectively and prevent future attacks or infestations. This ensures that you can count on a reputable service provider who has experience in treating termite infestation.
Ask about treatment methods applied and the offered guarantees, as well as be sure to ask whether they are licensed and insured.
Conclusion
While it is never easy to control termite infestation, with professional pest services, one can actually clear them out of your house and offer protection against further damage.
Being on the lookout for signs of termite activity, ensuring that you are inspected on a regular basis, and taking preventative measures will help to ensure that your home remains free from further infestation and that you have peace of mind knowing that your property is clear of these pesky insects.
Let the termites not take over your home, and take action today to take back your space from these silent invaders.
