What is the Treatment For a Termite Infestation?
Termites are small insects that live in the soil, but can also enter your home. Termites are a problem, as they chew through wood, wallpaper, flooring, drywall, and other materials. They can also leave behind powdered shavings. If you suspect you have termites, there are a variety of methods to prevent and eliminate them. The type of treatment used depends on the type of termites and the size of your home.
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Termites come in two main types: subterranean and dry wood. Subterranean termites are primarily found in basements and crawl spaces, but can also be found inside your home. These termites are the most common in homes.
One of the most effective ways to prevent termites is to seal off all possible points of entry. This means ensuring proper ventilation, maintaining proper drainage, and sealing exterior cracks. It also means avoiding over-mulching and keeping firewood at least 20 feet away from your house. Other precautions include using an air conditioner that does not have condensation lines and having downspouts that take water away from your structure.
Alternatively, you can set up bait stations around your foundation. These systems use a slow-acting toxin to kill the termites as they molt. Baits are also environmentally friendly.
Another effective method of termite removal is fumigation. During this process, your home is covered with an airtight tent. A precise amount of gas fumigant is pumped into the tent, and the gas is allowed to penetrate the home for a specific amount of time. An odorous ingredient is added to the gas to warn humans. When the gas has dissipated, you should remove it from the tent.
While fumigation can be an effective termite removal technique, it doesn’t prevent future infestations. Termites are attracted to the moisture in your home. Also, if your home has a well or another draining system, it can be impossible to prevent termites.
Soil treatments are another long-lasting way to keep your home safe from termites. Depending on the extent of your infestation, your termite exterminator can recommend the best treatment for your home. Often, these treatments include a liquid termiticide that provides a chemical barrier to prevent termites from entering your home. Liquid-soil termiticides can provide an extended barrier to termites in your soil and can remain effective for up to five years.
You can also try a number of “do-it-yourself” options. Several products sold online or at home improvement stores can be used to control termites. Some of them can last for up to thirteen years without having to be re-applied. Using essential oils can also be an effective method of killing off termites. For example, neem oil can be mixed with dish soap and sprayed onto infested wood.
Termites can be a real nuisance, and they are one of the most dangerous pests to have in your home. Having regular inspections is the most effective method of preventing termites. However, if you find termites, don’t panic. There are several effective and inexpensive ways to handle the problem.