How to Get Rid of Termites?
If you notice some of the obvious signs of termite infestation you may want to get on the phone immediately and call in a professional exterminator. In the long run this may be the only way to get rid of termites permanently.
Termite treatment traditionally set up a perimeter around your home with pesticides, keeping termites from passing the barrier to get to your home. They also treated the ground around your home with larger amounts of pesticide to kill termite colonies. Exterminators will also spray any openings such as cracks, screens etc. that termites may use to enter the home. Keep in mind that these pests are trying to get to wood so they can feast.
Repelling Termites
This program of treatment uses chemical repellants to stop the termites and pesticides that actually kill the termites. This is generally more effective than bait, powders or home remedies that you can purchase at many stores. The problem with more powerful chemicals that can destroy termite colonies is that the chemicals remain in the soil and may create problems in the future. These chemicals can get into your garden plants and may affect children and pets.
New Ways
In recent years, exterminators have used safer chemicals in smaller amounts. This treatment still kills termites but it may be more expensive than some of the original chemicals. Chemical research shows that newer treatments stop termites from growing. If they don’t become mature termites they can’t attack the home. It’s also possible to control termites with bait programs that can be purchased in retail outlets.
If you want to try some home remedy for termites you may want to consider a substance called sodium borate. This is available under several brand names. This product is applied to wood during home construction or to new wood during remodeling. Some companies offer this same chemical treatment in powder form.
You can prevent termite infestation by treating the soil around the home and by trying to direct water away from the foundation. Termites move easily through moist soil but don’t travel as well through dry soil. If you have wood piled near your home or have put off tearing down an older wooden building you may be giving termites a place to congregate and expand their numbers.
If you find cracks in the foundation or other small holes that might give termites access to your home, seal them up immediately. If you plan to build something new in and around your home, use wood that is already treated to resist termites. Some property owners install a barrier of sand around the foundation of the home because termites won’t work their way through sand. Talk with a professional exterminator about how this works. The sand must be of a particular size. Plan now to schedule annual termite inspections. Contact an experienced, reliable exterminator who can inspect your home and advise you on methods to eliminate and prevent termite problems. You’ll save a lot of money and stress in the future by taking on those termites now!
Category: Home & Garden, Pest Control