How to Get Rid of Termites? – Easy Ways of Eliminating Termites

There is a wide range of harmful pests that disturb the homeowners, and termites are one of them. Termites can ruin and destroy the foundation of any house within a few years. Termite infestation can be a stressful experience. Termites are responsible for damage of around $1 billion in the US every year. 

Homeowners often fail to figure out the termite infestation and have to replace the wood within their homes. Fortunately, there are ways to identify as well as get rid of termites in the house. Now you must be thinking about how to get rid of termites? Here is an article with a guide to identify and get rid of termites easily. But before looking for the solution, let’s have a look at the types of termites, it will help you in better understanding the remedies to solve the termite problem. 

Types of Termites

There are different types of species termites; however, the following presents the biggest threat to homeowners. 

Subterranean Termites – This species of termite lives in moist areas or underground colonies. These species of termites live in large nests that are connected through mud tubes. Subterranean termites are responsible for the majority of the damage caused by the termites in the US.

Formosan Termites – This species of termites are considered as the most aggressive species. They develop huge underground colonies and build mud nests inside the walls. Due to their aggressive nature, they are difficult to control once they start infesting a structure.

Drywood Termites – This type of termites do not require soil contact, and they establish nests in wooden wall supports and roof materials. These termites can infest dead wood present in the house. 

Signs of Termites Infestation

The first step of how to get rid of termites is identifying the signs of termites in the house. Termites are similar to silent assassins, so you might not even know that you have an infestation in your house. But here are some signs that will help you in identifying the termite infestation. 

Wood Damage – Wood damage is the first and most important sign that you might have termites in your house. Termites like to consume wood inside out. You can check it by knocking your wood, and if it sounds hollow, it means you might have a problem. Rotting wood is also a signal of the termite problem. 

Frass – Frass is another signal for termite problems. Frass is powdered shavings left behind dry wood termites while eating wood.

Swarmers – These are winged termites that can be found in the house during spring. They are often mistaken for flying ants. If you see any flying ant or ant-like creature on the ground near the area having swarms, it might be termites. 

Mud Tubes – Subterranean termites require mud tubes in order to travel back and forth in their colony. If you find mud tubes in the foundation of your house, crawl spaces, or basement, there can be termites in your house.

Home Remedies to Eliminate Termites Yourself

Use Boric Acid

Boric acid is one of the most effective ways to eliminate termites. It is a famous insecticide used in store-purchased termite insecticides and termite killing products. It is an effective measure to kill termites. Boric acid kills termites by shutting down their nervous system while rehydrating them. 

You can kill termites with the help of boric acid using bait stations, in order to use boric acid, spray or coat wood evenly using boric acids. Check the bait station continuously and fill it with boric acid as per requirements. 

Use Termite-Control Products

Termite-control products are available at local hardware supply stores. Using products of termite-control is the best way to get rid of termites. You can use liquid termite-killing products or termite-baiting control methods. Spray the termite control products on infested areas, or you can also lay the bait in the infested area.

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Poison Bait Solutions

This approach includes installing poisoned baits around the perimeter of the house’s foundation. Each solution of the bait consists of a round plastic cap and a hollow plastic tube. The tube contains a wooden stick that is poison-paced, and it restricts foreign termites from reaching your house. 

Bait solutions are an effective way to wipe away the entire colonies of termites, which make them an effective measure for termite control. You can place the bait station around three feet away from your house in order to get effective outcomes. 

Perimeter Barrier

Ideally, houses are protected with perimeter barriers when they are built. But if your house does not contain a perimeter barrier, install one. Instilling a perimeter barrier is a difficult and labor-intensive task, but it will help you in getting rid of termite infestation. 

When perimeter barriers of appropriate material are installed in the house, they can prevent the subterranean termites from building tunnels in the house. 

Take Preventive Measure

Taking the required steps to prevent termites can help in saving a great deal of money. Here are some tips to prevent termites. 

• Moisture is essential for termites to form colonies and to survive. So it is best to eliminate damp areas around your house in order to prevent termites
• Eliminate ground contact of the wood as much possible
• Check for plumbing leaks to assure that area near house stays dry
• If you have wood touching the ground, then replace the soil with sand around your house, as termites are unable to build tunnels in the sand
• Leave a space of around 6 inches between the ground and wooden patios, porches, and decks
•  Inches Inspect your home regularly for termites

When to Call the Pros for Help

If you find that the termite infestation is too big or it is important to get the work done right the first time, you should call a professional for help.

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When you call the professionals to kill termites, make sure that:

• You get a minimum of three different quotes from the firms
• Get referrals from friends and family, and look at the service record of the firms before employing them
• Get a written agreement from the firm that you are employing. The agreement should include complete termite extinction for round two years.