Termites can take a big bite out of the value of homes and businesses. According to the pest control experts, preventive measures can help deter these destructive wood-eating insects.

Homes and other buildings are often pretreated at the time of construction to protect against future infestations. Alternatively, remedial treatments are applied to existing infestations. Contact Termite Control Gilbert AZ for professional help.

Homeowners can prevent and treat minor termite infestations with some preventive measures, such as reducing moisture around structures, blocking entry points, and having regular inspections. However, the best way to reduce the impact of a termite infestation is to have it treated by professionals. Many store-bought and homemade pest control treatments are ineffective or can even cause more damage by not eliminating the termite colony. If you are unable to schedule a professional termite treatment, there are some DIY methods that may help.

One of the easiest and most effective DIY termite control methods involves heating the area. This is because termites are afraid of heat, and this method can easily exterminate them within minutes. However, the method should be used away from plastics and electrical wiring to avoid fire or other damages.

Another common DIY treatment is using boric acid. This substance is found in powder form and is a wood preservative that does not poison the termites when they come into contact with it. Boric acid also stops the termites from extracting nutrients from the wood they are eating, which is why it is so effective in preventing and treating small-scale termite infestations.

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is another popular termite repellent and killer. It works by acting as a physical barrier and causing dehydration in the insect’s exoskeleton. The abrasive material can be sprinkled directly on infested areas or added to soil to create a termite-resistant barrier. It is important to note that this solution needs to be reapplied regularly because it loses its efficacy over time.

Another DIY option for termite control is nematodes. These tiny, bacteria-like creatures can be purchased in a variety of different varieties to target specific termite species. Nematodes should be mixed with water in a spray bottle and then sprayed on areas of infestation, making sure to replace the bait cartridges regularly (Hawx Pest Control).

Some homeowners have been tempted to use commercial termite control sprays. These products are not only ineffective, but they can also be dangerous if overused. Termite sprays also do not address the source of the infestation or stop future damage.

Natural and Eco-Friendly Methods

If you do not want to expose yourself or your family to harmful chemicals, there are natural ways to deal with a termite infestation. Using eco-friendly methods can also be cost-effective compared to traditional chemical treatments.

A common household item, cayenne pepper can naturally kill termites by severely injuring their nerve systems. You can apply this spice directly to the affected areas of your home or sprinkle it around the exterior.

Another effective, non-toxic product is diatomaceous earth (DE). Made from fossilized algae, DE cuts through the exoskeletons of termites, causing them to dehydrate. Sprinkle this powder around the areas of your home where you suspect or have confirmed a termite infestation, as well as in crevices and cracks where they might enter or live. Reapply DE as needed, especially after rain or in areas of high dust movement.

Alternatively, you can create cardboard traps to entice and capture termites. Cardboard is attractive to termites because it contains cellulose, which is their primary food source. Placing wet cardboard in problem areas will entice and trap the pests, and it can be easily disposed of when full.

Exposing infested wood or furniture to direct sunlight can also kill them naturally. Since these pests love dark, damp places, direct sunshine is deadly to them.

Other natural methods include the use of nematodes and fungal pathogens to combat termites. Nematodes are microscopic worms that infiltrate and infect the bodies of pests, including termites, with lethal bacteria. Adding these worms to the soil can help reduce and prevent termite infestations.

Additionally, you can use fungus that is toxic to the pests, such as Beauveria bassiana. This fungus infiltrates the bodies of termites and other insects, killing them from the inside out.

Finally, termite baits are an effective and environmentally friendly option for addressing an infestation. Termite baits contain poison that is carried back to the colony by the insects and inadvertently kills the entire population. While these baits take longer than conventional chemical treatments, they do not release fumes or heat and are safe for the environment and humans.

Professional Methods

Professional methods of termite control include soil treatments and fumigation. These treatments are usually reserved for severe and widespread infestations, but they are very effective at eliminating the pests. A homeowner can avoid using these more intensive methods by implementing preventive measures and conducting regular inspections of the property.

In addition to conducting routine inspections, homeowners can reduce the risk of infestation by keeping wood away from contact with the ground and avoiding direct interaction between wooden structures and the soil. It is also a good idea to monitor and address any signs of termite activity, such as mud tunnels and discarded wings, promptly, so that the infestation can be addressed before it gets out of hand.

A pest control company will perform a thorough inspection of the property, paying special attention to areas where wood and soil meet, such as fences, retaining walls and garden structures. A pest control expert will be able to identify the type of termite and the extent of the infestation, determining the best course of treatment.

Soil treatments are the most common method of addressing termite problems. Liquid termiticides are applied to the soil surrounding buildings, creating a barrier that the pests cannot penetrate. This form of treatment is very effective, but it requires repeated applications over time in order to remain effective.

For more serious infestations, pest control professionals can use bait systems, such as those made by Trelona ATBS, to target the termites directly. These work by taking advantage of the foraging behavior of these insects. When a termite is attracted to the bait, it will carry the chemical back to its colony and spread it among the other members, killing them over time.

Other professional methods of termite control include foam sprays and fumigation. Foam sprays are a good choice for hard-to-reach areas, such as wall voids and spaces between wooden structures. This treatment is applied to the affected area and expands, filling voids and eliminating termites in these hard-to-reach places. Fumigation is typically reserved for severe and widespread termite infestations and involves enclosing the affected area in a tent and introducing a gas that permeates all areas, including the wood, to kill the pests.

Safety Precautions

As the weather warms, termites will start their annual swarming. This means you will want to be proactive in addressing these pests, which can cause extensive and expensive damage to homes and businesses. Fortunately, several methods are available for homeowners to prevent or eradicate termite infestations.

One way to control the problem is through soil and barrier treatments. These are liquid termiticides that are applied to the ground around structures, creating a protective barrier against termites. These products contain active ingredients such as fipronil and imidacloprid, which have shown excellent effectiveness in preventing or eliminating termite colonies.

Another effective method is through bait stations. These stations offer a more long-term solution to the issue, eliminating the problem at its source by killing individual termites as they come into contact with the chemicals. This type of treatment is more environmentally-friendly compared to soil and barrier treatments, but it requires consistent monitoring and may take longer to see results.

Other preventative measures include sealing cracks and crevices in walls, doors, and windows. This can help keep out water and insects, which are both attractive to termites. It is also important to ensure that water drains away from buildings, rather than toward them. This can be accomplished through proper grading and landscaping, including the regular maintenance of gutters and downspouts to avoid blockages.

In addition, a well-maintained wood deck can be a good deterrent against termites, as it will provide a less inviting environment for these pests. Maintaining a wood deck includes frequent cleaning and painting, especially if it is close to the house. It is also a good idea to use pressure-treated wood when building or replacing any fences that are near the house, as this will be more termite-resistant than untreated wood.

Inspecting for signs of a termite infestation is essential, as this can allow prompt action to be taken, minimizing the extent of damage. Common indicators of a termite presence include mud tubes along the exterior or foundation of a structure, discarded wings, and sagging or hollow-sounding wood. Regular inspections performed by professionals or vigilant homeowners can help detect termite activity as it occurs, enabling prompt action to be taken.