INTRODUCTION
Termites are a colony of pests that will nest in the timber of your house. There are five different types, and they present a constant threat in every season of the year. Having purchased a property that was infested with termites I noticed them flying around in the evening, probably looking to establish a new colony nearby. It is better if they never get into your house, but once there, they must be eradicated.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF TERMITES?
Some of the signs of termite infestation are:
- Paint has bubbled or cracked, walls may also crack.
- Solid wood sounds hollow when you tap on it.
- Mud tubes will form
- During late Spring, early Summer you will see the discarded wings.
HOW TO KILL TERMITES
Before the termites are killed, it is important to remove piles of junk from around your house. Any wood or firewood should be removed and other debris, paper, take it all away and clear the area. Screen vents and windows to prevent the pests from entering. One solution to prevent them from entering is to install a barrier around the house. Sand around your foundations can impede their entry.
Certain chemicals are approved for use and can be purchased at your local hardware store. Using bait is very effective, the bait is set around the colony and as they feed on it they will die off. There are three other methods used to kill termites and they are:
- Liquid pesticides (phun diệt muỗi)
- Building materials infused with pesticides.
- Topical wood treatments.
ELIMINATING THE THREAT OF TERMITES
There are a few available products to help the homeowner eliminate termite threat. Here are some of the best inexpensive. DIY solutions to rid yourself of the threat.
- Spectracide Termite Stakes, with 15 stakes in a package you can install around your property quickly. When the stakes detect termite activity they will pop out of the earth, showing where an active termite colony is. Change stakes every two years.
- Ortho Home Defense Max is guaranteed to keep termites away for 5 years in treated areas. It is a concentrated solution that makes 32 gallons of spray.
The active ingredient is Bifenthrin, similar to professional solutions, it kills termites and stops them from returning and is available for $20 for 16 ounce bottle, which is good value.
- Termidor Foam is an indoor solution used for termite infestation. It is ready for use and is a foam that works well in wall voids and under floors. It is perfectly safe in food handling areas and sometimes used in restaurants. Seal up the void following treatment to allow it to work. One can will go a long way in eliminating termites.
TERMITE TREATMENT COST
The size and area of the colony will reflect the cost. If you plan to hire a professional pest company the cost could be around $500.00 per year. If you treat them yourself, the cost is about 50% cheaper than the cost of a professional.
HOW TO PREVENT TERMITES
Once you have put the preventative measures in place, check your plumbing. Any water leaks from plumbing can become a homing beacon for termites, and if you eliminate the water source they won’t survive. if it rains a lot, stop the water from pooling around foundations.
Clean gutters, as clogged gutters will cause water to pool when they overflow, you will not want any wet spots.
Keep a good airflow as this will prevent moisture build-up. Ventilation fans are useful in keeping the air moving around your house, termites love damp walls.
CONTROLLING TERMITES NATURALLY
- Get a corrugated cardboard box and wet it. Place the cardboard where you think that a colony might be located. Once the termites are eating the cellulose ( contained in cardboard), remove it and burn it.
- Sunlight can kill termites, so expose them to the sun where possible. If they are in furniture put the furniture out in the bright sunlight.
- Use nematodes which are like worms to eat the termites. You can buy nematodes online.
- Get rid of garden mulch, as it retains moisture and attracts termites.
CONCLUSION
If you are systematic and do all of the above, you will certainly get rid of the termites. They can’t be left there as your home will be eaten away, and will ultimately be unlivable.