How to Effectively Control Termites in Your Home

termite control

The first step in eliminating termite infestations is to identify the source of the moisture problem. If you suspect that your home is undergoing an infestation, you must have the problem identified so that you can properly treat the area. If you suspect that termites have been eating through your foundation, you need to know where to find the source of the moisture problem. Termite infestations in an aboveground location are often excluded from warranty agreements. 

When choosing a pesticide, you must carefully read the label. It explains how the product works and provides information about possible risks. Contact a pesticide company’s representative if you can’t find the label. Be sure to inquire about how long after treatment you can reoccupy the home. Generally, a treatment period lasts five to 10 years. Depending on the maintenance of your property, it may still take years for termites to find a way into your home. Hiring Best Pest Control will help you kill all the pests in your home.

To avoid future infestations, treat the soil around the supports beneath the house. The soil should extend up to the foundation footer to form a continuous chemical barrier. This prevents termites from reaching the foundation. For best results, treat the soil around the supports with granular insecticides or sprays. However, beware of companies offering spot treatments. They may be cheaper than a full treatment, but this might not solve the problem.

Baited baits have proven effective in killing termites. Baits have a long history of effectiveness and are still evolving. However, they don’t kill the entire colony, and any colonies that are killed by baits quickly regenerate. As a result, you need to continue the application of these products for ongoing protection. It may be a good idea to apply baits on the exterior walls of your house, as well.

Physical barriers are becoming more common across the country. These methods don’t use chemicals, and instead work as an effective pest management tool. Copper termite shields are available, but can be quite expensive. Other options include a stainless steel mesh installed inside the foundation walls and around the pipe frontage. Another option is impasse, a polymer plastic sheeting that contains an insecticide between two layers. This product is then strategically placed along the perimeter of the foundation.

Subterranean termites build mud tubes, which are about as wide as a pencil. Infested houses may have mud tubes beneath the surface of the foundation, which is inaccessible to the general public. Termite spraying is an effective way to kill off the existing termites in a home, but it does not protect the interior wood from further attacks. If the infestation is severe, you may need to contact a pest control company for a more comprehensive solution.

Upon finding visible signs of termite infestation, a qualified pest control technician can identify and note any conditions that facilitate an infestation. In most cases, a qualified termite technician will only be able to find visible signs of termite infestation, and they cannot check behind walls, floor coverings, or beyond ceiling panels. These areas may remain untreated, and insect activity and damage could be undetected for months or even years.

If you choose to use a chemical pesticide, you should choose one that is effective on a broad range of termites and is safe for your home. For example, Taurus SC contains fipronil, a highly concentrated termiticide that can kill a colony in just one application. It lasts for 10 years, which makes it ideal for homes that have pets. Most pesticides are designed to be applied outdoors, but there are insecticide granules that can be used indoors. These are called “insecticides” and have a shelf life of 8 weeks.

Baits are one effective way of destroying termites. Baits are typically installed beneath the ground around the perimeter of a building, and a termite tunneling through them will leave a scent from their colony. Once a colony is destroyed, the remaining termites will then be attracted to the area and continue to feed. Baits, on the other hand, can take months to fully take effect. Baiting can also be expensive, and more frequent visits are needed to monitor activity and replenish the bait station.

Termites can enter a home through overgrown areas. If you use untreated timber for building outdoor structures, you risk attracting termites. If you use wood for fencing or garden beds, choose pressure-treated wood instead of untreated. Chemically-treated wood doesn’t attract termites. You can also use DIY treatments or hire a professional exterminator to do the job, although they may require you to move temporarily.

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