Why is it hard to remove termites?
Some pests are quite easy to control with a good pest control service and a clean home. But termites? They are something else. Eradicating termites can be a slow and sometimes costly process. Let’s take a look at why termite removal is so challenging, how you can identify these clever pests and which solutions are most effective at keeping your home safe.
Why Is Getting Rid of Termites So Challenging?
Termites Are Hidden Underground
Unlike ants or cockroaches, you may have seen scurrying around your place, termites generally conduct their lives underground or tucked away inside your home. Their colonies can become massive under your floors or within walls, so it can be difficult to find a colony early. At times, you may discover mud tubes on walls and that is a dead giveaway you may already have an infestation. Some termites will nest inside wooden parts such as door frames or cabinets so they’re well hidden.
Signs of Termites Are Hard to See
Termites don’t create obvious signs like droppings or bad odors, as some other pests do. Instead, they create small mud tubes running along walls and deposit droppings known as “frass” that resemble dust or small pellets. Unless you’re really looking for them, these clues can be easy to miss.
DIY Remedies Usually Don’t Work
It’s so tempting to want to go with home sprays or natural remedies like orange oil for termites. But such treatments seldom penetrate the termites that lurk inside wood or underground. Besides, most over-the-counter sprays are not formulated to kill termites, and natural solutions tend to have little lasting effect. The termites’ colony is extensive and heavily defended, so professional intervention may be required.
Your Home Is a Buffet for Termites
So, termites eat wood, and because a number of areas in your home are made out of it (think doors, floors, rafters, furniture), well, you’re feeding them, aren’t you? They’re attracted to moisture, too, so leaks and damp areas can draw them in even further.
Moisture Attracts Termites
Termites are big fans of moist conditions. Leaky pipes, spills, rain-soaked mulch and poor ventilation provide termites with the damp conditions to keep thriving. Maintaining a dry home is a big part of how you avoid infestations.
How to Identify Termites and Their Signs
Do a Home Termite Inspection
Just as you get a routine physical health check-up, your home needs termite inspections to spot trouble at the first sign of it. Special instruments and methods are used by professionals to locate termite activity within walls and under ground.
How Are Termites Different from Ants?
The antennae of termites are straight with symmetrical wings, while the antennae of the ants are elbowed with fore wings longer than hind wings. Waists of termites are broad, those of ants narrow. Then, termites eat wood; ants do not.
How to Get Rid of Termites for Good
Call in the Experts
Termites are difficult to get rid of so it’s best to have professionals treat the infestation. They may do a thorough inspection of your home and determine the best treatment based on the type of termite you have and the severity of the infestation. Methods of treatment may involve soil treatment with termiticides, placing termite baits, or injecting wood with foams.
Prevent Termite Infestations
In addition to treatments, follow these guidelines to keep termites at bay:
Repair any roof leaks, broken tiles, or cracks to keep moisture from accumulating
Fix leaking pipes near sinks in kitchens and bathrooms
Do not purchase used wood furniture that may be infested.
Do not allow plants and mulch to touch your home’s foundation
What should I do if I find termites?
Don’t panic and try to wash them away. Record a note of where and when you saw them, if possible take photos and call a professional pest controller for help.
Termites are formidable foes, but armed with information and a professional help, you can protect your home against these small yet terrible invaders that cause millions of dollars in damage each year. Keep an eye on things, keep your pad dry and clean, and don’t be afraid to call in the pros if you suspect termites have taken up residence.
Evo Termite Treatment Midland offers all pest control services in Midland and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6275 6592 or visit our website:
