How to Get Rid of Termites
Termites are called “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through the wood and flooring without being detected. Termites are also one of the most successful among insects due to their large number of species.
They’re not just known for their wood-destroying abilities, but they can also be found in your carpets, consuming cellulose and carpet fibers. The flooring or ceilings can be in perfect condition in your home or furnished apartment, but termites may have already made their way in.
Having a pest infestation is the last thing you want if you want to avoid wood destruction and other structural damage to your home.
What do termites look like?
It’s important to know what the termites look like so it will be much easier to get rid of them. Identifying them can be a tricky process, depending on where you live.
Some termites have distinct characteristics, but most of them look somewhat similar.
They are 1/2 to1/4 inches long, have six legs, and soft bodies with three main body segments: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They also have an antenna made of bead-like parts.
It may be hard to believe, but termites are surprisingly intelligent and social insects. They live in colonies just like ants.
They have a caste system that divides them based on the colony member’s structure, function, and behavior. The reproductive, the soldier, and the worker are the major castes in the colony.
Ways to Get Rid of Termites
You should be careful when choosing the right way to get rid of the termites at your home. Some termites need an aggressive approach to get rid of them.
It’s crucial to know what kind of termites are in your home. Once you have identified the termites, you can now proceed on how to get rid of them.
1. Replace the damaged wood
You should begin by inspecting all of the wood around your home. When you discover a damaged piece of wood, replace it immediately.
Additionally, wet woods are a haven for some termites, such as dampwood termites. Replacing damaged wood is a critical step toward termite elimination.
Choosing a termite-resistant wood to replace the damaged wood will also help prevent termites.
2. Getting a chemical treatment
Some chemical treatments are needed if the termite infestation is severe. You should seek help from professional pest control in your region for this treatment.
Ensure that the company follows the right protocols and has a proper pest management system when choosing the right company. They also must have proper licenses and certifications to ensure they have a complete background and expertise.
The most effective chemical treatment is the soil-applied liquid termiticide. It creates a long-lasting barrier that will prevent termites from entering.
Other than pest control services, disinfectant services may also help you protect your home, especially if you want to avoid the presence of any termites or pests altogether.
3. Using termite baits
This method is effectively proven. It will be installed around the perimeter of the foundation of your house.
Due to its slow-acting toxin, it will interrupt the natural growth of the termites, slowly killing them before they try to molt. The infected termites will bring the toxins from the insecticide to their colony, transmit it to the others, and slowly get rid of all the termites living in your home.
Signs of Termites at Home
Detecting if you have termites at home is also a way to prevent them from spreading. Luckily, some signs will help you find out if you already have termites at home, or they’ll just start making their way inside your house.
1. Flying termites or swarmers are the first sign to look for if you have termite infestation at home. These are termites that have left the nest to find a suitable mate for them.
2. Blistering or hollow-sounding wood is also a sign of termites being present. If you tap on a damaged wood and it sounds hollow or papery, it is termite-damaged.
3. You’ll also see some unexplained cracks. It may be caused by termites because they consume the cellulose found in timber within walls.
4. Watch for stiff windows and warped doors, as these might also mean that there are termites. Termites produce moisture when they are eating through door and window frames
Termites are controllable if you’re aware of their presence in your home. It’s also important to be knowledgeable about how the termites work and how to identify them.
You can also opt for cleaning services regularly, so you can avoid the frustration of pests in your home. Prevention is better than cure, after all.
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