Termites are one of the most destructive pests out there. If you’ve got them in your home, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Otherwise, they’ll keep eating away at your wood until your home is completely destroyed. Not sure how to get rid of them? Here are four steps you can take.
Contact a Pest Control Professional
The first step is to contact a pest control professional. They’ll be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They may recommend fumigation, which involves tenting your home and pumping it full of chemicals. Or, they may recommend spot treatment, which involves treating specific areas where termites are active. They may also recommend a non-toxic termite treatment, which is a great option. Whichever method they recommend, make sure you follow their instructions carefully to get rid of the problem for good.
Schedule an Inspection
The first thing you’ll need to do is contact a professional pest control company and schedule an inspection. This is important because they’ll be able to determine the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of treatment. Once you’ve done that, they’ll likely recommend one of two methods for getting rid of the termites: baiting or liquid treatment.
Baiting
Baiting involves placing bait stations around your property and letting the termites feed on the bait. This might take a few weeks, but it’s generally considered to be more effective than liquid treatment. Liquid treatment, on the other hand, involves using a specialized solution to kill the termites outright. This method is usually faster, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t always get rid of every last termite.
Remove Any Water Sources
Termites are attracted to moisture, so it’s important to remove any sources of water from around your home. This includes fixing any leaks, draining any standing water, and making sure your gutters are clean and free-flowing. By removing these sources of water, you’ll make your home less attractive to termites and help discourage them from sticking around.
Remove Any Wood debris
Another way to deter termites is by removing any wood debris from around your property. This includes things like firewood, sawdust, and mulch. If you have a lot of these things on your property, consider storing them somewhere else until you no longer have a termite problem.
Keep an Eye Out for Swarms
One of the signs that you have a termite problem is if you see swarms of winged insects around your home. These are reproductive termites that are looking for new places to start colonies. If you see them, it’s a good indication that you already have an infestation that needs to be dealt with immediately.
If you think you might have termites in your home, don’t wait to get rid of them. The longer you wait, the more damage they’ll do to your property. Use these four steps to get rid of them quickly and prevent them from coming back in the future.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.