How to Get Rid of Termites for Good

Termites are wood-munching insects that cause significant damage to property. Unfortunately, it’s hard to determine if a home is infested with termites until it is too late. In today’s post, we are listing down ways to eliminate termites using either chemical or natural treatments:

Signs of Termite Infestation

Before getting rid of termites, you want to make sure you have an infestation on your hands. Check if winged insects from the soil suddenly appear inside the home. Mud tubes on wooden beams and crawl spaces are also signs of a termite problem. Tap the wood and if it sounded hollow, then you need to investigate for termite damage. Finally, check for frass or termite droppings near wooden structures of the home.

How to Get Rid of Termites Naturally

Finding Natural Predators

Nematodes or un-segmented worms are garden pests that prey on termite larvae. You can purchase these critters from your garden supply store and drop them off to a suspected termite colony. The worms will zero in on the termite larvae, destroying the termite colony from the inside and out.

Cellulose Trap

Termites love cellulose. You can also get rid of termites by creating cardboard traps that contain cellulose. The cardboard trap will lure the termites out of their colony and trap them so they cannot escape. After catching the termites, burn off the box and make sure every single insect is dead.

Pre-Emptying an Infestation

Don’t wait until the whole house is infested with termites before taking action. Always apply pre-emptive measures so infestation does not develop to begin with. Start by treating the wood with anti-termite chemicals. Remove damp wood in and around the home and clear the bushes to expose termites to sunlight. Resolve water leaks in the house so your home is not as attractive to termites.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is one of the most effective natural termite repellants on the market right now. In fact, most insecticides contain boric acid. This compound kills termites by destroying the insects’ nervous system and dehydrating them. To use boric acid as a termite repellant, use bait stations. Spray boric acid all over several pieces of wood. Then, place the wood pieces in spots infested with termites. Check the baits regularly and replenish the acid if needed.

Heat Fumigation

Subjecting termites to intense heat will kill these destructive insects. Heat fumigation is a great way to solve a termite problem, but it has to be conducted by a professional.

How to Get Rid of Termites Using Chemicals

Dealing with termites using chemicals also requires the help of a professional. The most common chemicals used to resolve termite infestation are arsenic dust and permethrin dust. Without a doubt, these chemicals are noxious compounds that need to be handled with care.

A unique alternative to chemical-based termite treatments is electrocution. Essentially, the insects are shocked with 90,000 volts of power. The shock will kill the critters instantly.

When to Call A Professional

You can eliminate minor infestation on your own but for larger jobs, let the professional handle it. If you’ve tried all natural means to get rid of the pest and still, the termites are causing significant damage to your home, call a professional to finish the job.