How to Get Rid of Termites: 15 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 13:47

Among all the insects, rodents, critters and various parasites that disturb and create discomfort for homeowners all over the world, none are more dangerous than termites. Only termites can ruin and destroy the foundation and structure of a home in just a few years. The initial destructive work of termites may not even be visible in the first five years of their infestation. By then it may be too late. Your home has probably been your biggest - and most important - investment, so it is imperative that you do what you can to protect it from termites and to clear it immediately in case they have already invaded your property.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Check for the Infestation

Step 1. Look for signs of infestation

You may not find evidence of termites, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. Curved floors, holes in wood, and hollow parts in foundations are all serious warning signs of termites. Plus you might see real termites for yourself.

• Grab a screwdriver and a flashlight and go to the cellar; examine the gaps under the floor and the foundation beams, tapping on the wood to check for gaps and pushing the screwdriver against the wood to check its strength. If the wood gives way easily and crumbles, you may have a termite problem to fix.
• During the investigation, pay attention to the presence of termite droppings. They are wood-colored or dark brown balls. The presence of the droppings near the weakened wood could indicate the infestation.
• You may find a termite nest on your property; an underground infestation is determined by the presence of an intricate system of mud tunnels; while, if you have an infestation in the wood, you will find a real nest inside.

Step 2. Determine what kind of termites have invaded your home

Usually two species of infesting termites are identified: the underground and those of the wood. You can find the former both in the ground and in the wood of your home, while the latter live only in the wood. The underground termites live in warm climates of the coastal zones, those of the wood almost everywhere.

• You can also find underground termites in wood and piles near your home, as well as in wooden foundations.
• They are usually much more dangerous and harmful than those of wood and specific methods are required to get rid of them.

Part 2 of 4: DIY Remedies

Step 1. Set up cardboard traps

Wet strips of flat cardboard and place them side by side in an area of the house where you think there are termites. Since these insects feed on cellulose, cardboard traps are a great method. When the cardboard has attracted a lot of termites, take it out of your home and burn it safely. Repeat the process several times as needed.

Note: This type of trap doesn't completely solve your problem, but it's a surefire way to get rid of several hundred termites in one go. Use this method in combination with other techniques for more decisive action.

Step 2. Test for beneficial nematodes

They are small worms that prey on garden parasites including termites. Nematodes look for hosts to lay their eggs in, for example in termite larvae, and cause them to die in about 48 hours.

• You can buy these worms at garden stores or online. There are currently five varieties that are commercially produced.
• If you have to use them in a soil whose temperature is above 15 ° C it is important to put them immediately after buying them. If you don't have to use them right away, keep them in the fridge. Release them early in the morning or just after sunset, as ultraviolet rays are dangerous for these worms.

Step 3. Expose the wood to sunlight

If the termites have only infested one object and not the whole house, you can place it in the sun. Termites live in the dark and sunlight and solar heat kill them. On nice days, put the object in the sun for as long as possible, preferably for 2-3 days.

This method works well in addition to the cardboard trap

Step 4. Freeze them

If you live in a rainy region and can't place infested furniture in the sun, consider freezing it to kill termites. Place the furniture (or its infested parts) in a large freezer for 2-3 days. Even though it is a difficult technique to implement, it is very effective.

Part 3 of 4: Professional Intervention

Step 1. Use boric acid

It is one of the most common products for this purpose. In fact it is contained in the main insecticides. Boric acid destroys the nervous system of termites by dehydrating them.

• The best way to use boric acid is to make bait traps.

  • Coat or evenly spray a piece of wood (or other cellulose-based material) with boric acid.
  • Place the trap in the garden near the house or where you have the infestation.
  • Check it regularly and replace it if necessary. You should find dead termites nearby.

  

  Step 2. Purchase a termite control product

  You can find it in garden stores, DIY stores and even supermarkets: its use is the first step to get rid of these dangerous pests. You can use a trap or liquid insecticides. Install the trap near the infested areas and spray the insecticide.

  

  Step 3. Do a microwave treatment

  Since heat kills termites, you may want to have your house heated to high enough temperatures to achieve the desired result. However, this treatment must be performed by a specialized professional, since the necessary tools are not commonly found on the market. Call your local pest control company and discuss your options.

  

  Step 4. Call a professional

  If you feel your problem is too big to tackle alone, or the house is too important and you can't afford to go wrong, you should call an exterminator. When doing this make sure you:

  • Get at least 3 quotes from as many competing companies;
  • Collect information and know the opinion of previous customers before hiring a specific company;
  • Get a written guarantee in which the company declares the complete disinfestation of your home for two years. This means that the company will have to come to your home periodically, check that there is no new infestation and, if necessary, eliminate it at no additional cost.

  Part 4 of 4: Preventing Other Infestations

  

  Step 1. Keep your home dry

  Termites are attracted to humid environments because they need water to survive. So be vigilant and careful trying to limit humidity, otherwise termites could invade your home.

  • Make sure you do not have water leaks inside and outside the house, remove stagnant water. Use a broom or pump to remove any residual water and keep the area dry.
  • Dirty, wet gutters are a great shelter for termites, so remove any debris that may be blocking them to prevent any problems.

  

  Step 2. Use a repellent

  Adding 0.1% (approximately 1 tablespoon per 4 liters of product) of paint permethrin, wood polish or wallpaper glue during construction or renovation will keep termites away permanently. You could also add it to the concrete used for the flooring or to the glue used to fix the parquet. Furthermore, since permethrin is a pesticide that is considered safe, there is no risk of toxicity.

  

  Step 3. Store the wood off your property

  Of course, termites love it, so stack the wood for the fireplace, as well as any other pieces of wood or branches, away from the house. Otherwise it would be like openly inviting termites to a banquet in your home. If you have no alternative and need to keep the wood nearby, cover it and try to keep it completely dry; in this way you minimize the risk.

  

  Step 4. Seal every crevice in the house

  It sounds like a trivia, but if you do this on doors and windows, window frames and all the cracks in the house, you are actively protecting your property from an infestation. The cracks between electrical and water pipes and walls are other access routes for these insects.

  Put mosquito nets on doors, windows and the porch

  

  Step 5. Repeat the treatment in regular cycles

  One of the most effective ways to keep your home safe from termite damage is to maintain a protective barrier around the outer perimeter. Consult an expert on how to intervene based on local budgets and regulations.