While most people are cautious of fire destroying their houses, research shows that termites are five times more likely to cause significant structural damage. These wood-eating insects cause $5 billion worth of damage to homes in the US per year, so you should get rid of termites as early as possible. They inflict so much damage because they often infest hidden areas as they don’t like exposure to light. Consequently, many homeowners only realize they have a termite infestation when the damage is extensive. So, how do you get rid of termites at home?
How to Get Rid of Termites at Home
You can eliminate termites at home using one or a combination of several DIY techniques. However, because the areas they infest are often hidden and inaccessible to most homeowners, hiring a professional pest controller is the best way to get rid of them. However, the following options can also work, depending on the extent of the termite infestation.
Use Termite Barriers
Technically, termite barriers don’t get rid of termites from your home. Instead, these chemicals prevent termites from infesting your home if you don’t already have an infestation. Typically, using a termite barrier involves applying the treatment around any property you want to protect against termite infestation.
As a colony moves in, the termites come into contact with the termiticide barriers, killing them. Most importantly, as termites ingest or come across these barriers and head back to the colony, they spread the treatments, effectively killing more termites.
These treatments often destroy whole colonies within three months of exposure. However, consider the other methods below if your home is already infested.
Position Termite Baits Around Your Home
This is a tried and tested method to get rid of termites. Baits are positioned around the perimeter of your property’s foundation. The toxic chemical attracts insects as they forage and slowly poisons them, killing them from within.
Like termiticide barriers, the toxins in termite baits are typically carried back to the colony by infected termites, killing any other termite they encounter.
Get Rid of Termites With Boric Acid
Boric acid is a primary ingredient in most commercial termite killers. The acid shuts down the termites’ nervous systems while dehydrating them, leading to their death.
To get rid of termites using Boric acid, spray it in cracks and crevices where you’ll typically find colonies. This includes floors, walls, and ceilings.
While there are many different types of termites, the methods above are sufficient for getting rid of termites. Still, an essential aspect of successfully treating a termite infestation is identifying it. The following are signs you may have a termite infestation at your home:
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- Hollow wood
- Mud tubes running over wooden structures
- Swarm evidence such as scattered wings
- Peeling paint
- Seeing live termites
If you notice or suspect a possible termite infestation in your home, it’s time to call in a professional pest control company or seek the services of a termite inspector.
DJR Home Inspections offers inspection services to central and southern New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment.