Table Of Content
This species of termites accomplishes a ton underground as the name suggests. “The nest and most of their colony activity is in the soil, often 6 to 20 feet below the surface,” Webb says. They thrive in the damp environment of the soil and will only enter homes only in search of food. One cause of termites that isn’t the fault of the homeowner is location. Some areas in the country are more prone to termite infestations due to other causes, such as high moisture levels. Since termites love warmer areas, they tend to be a bigger problem in the south.
Things to Consider Before You Hire a Termite Control Company:
Additionally, depending on the amount of damage termites have done, it may be necessary to bring in professionals to repair any structural damage that remains from the infestation. The best way to get rid of termites is to not have them to begin with. According to Dupuy, “Preventive treatments end up saving you the most money. One method is to walk around the outside of the home and caulk or repair cracks, gaps, and crevices where termites (and other pests) may be able to gain entry.
The best in science-based, pest management solutions from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Drywood termites are unique in that they nest directly in wood, not in the soil, so different control measures must be used to control them, Webb says. Drywood termites are found commonly in central and southern California, Hawaii, and in central and south Florida. They are also found sporadically across some western states and along the Gulf Coast. Drywood termites are found in dry pieces of wood like the framing of your house, flooring, and even furniture.
Insects in the City
What to know about Tampa Bay's termite swarming season - Axios
What to know about Tampa Bay's termite swarming season.
Posted: Fri, 19 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
These bait toxins are designed to interrupt the growing and molting process, and the termites will die before they can move to the next phase of their life cycle. First, make sure every crack and crevice for caulking, and remove or repair any moist wood. You also need to make sure that you’re not placing things like piles of firewood or discarded cardboard near your house, as termites can use those as starting points before they infest your home. How you get rid of or prevent termites in the first place depends on how severe the infestation is and the opportunities they may have to enter your home.
Who does HomeAdvisor background check?
There is no sudden appearance — there is termite damage happening around you until the signs become obvious enough for you to notice. Termites eat wood, and most houses in the U.S. have many wooden components, making termite entry super easy as a large majority of your home is technically full of termite food. Termites are attracted to anywhere they can find safety, abundant food, and places to make nests in which to raise their young.
The average termite damage repair costs thousands of dollars, according to Terminix. And if you need more fuel for your nightmares, Webb says he has seen some homes so destroyed by the little pests they had to be completely rebuilt. Know what to look for and what to do if you discover any of these signs of termites. Two common forms of treatment are conventional barrier treatments and termite baits. For a tried and true method of getting rid of termites, it’s always best to call a professional if you suspect a termite invasion.
Related Articles
With more than 80 years of experience in the pest control industry, Terminix’s team has developed in-house treatments and services to effectively combat all types of termites. This is by far the most common type of termite you’ll encounter in the United States. They love the humid and moist climate of the Deep South, but they’re found all over the country. These termites need not only wood to establish new colonies; they also require soil and moisture to construct their signature mud tubes (also known as drop tubes). Termites also look to eat anything with cellulose, such as magazines, books, textiles, and furniture. Another issue is if your home has already sustained water damage, then it's easier for termites to infiltrate.
A Guide to Protecting Your Greatest Investment from Wood-Destroying Insects
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, there are certain issues you may want to write off as deal-breakers from the start. And you may want to consider putting the above items on your list to avoid a huge financial hassle. But it also notes that the cost could reach $15,000 on the high end. And I happen to know someone who recently spent over $20,000 on foundation work after buying a home. Now, it's not unusual for a home inspector to find minor issues during their examination.
How Do You Get Rid of Termites?
When eaten by a termite, the nematodes will burrow into the termite’s body, poisoning it from the inside. Beneficial nematodes can be purchased online or at most garden stores. The best way to use these parasites is to combine the nematodes with water and potting soil and spread the mixture around the border of the home. Found in every U.S. state except Alaska, subterranean termites are creamy white to dark brown or black and 1/8 inch long. They live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to two million members.
Termite baits, installed around the perimeter of your home’s foundation, attract foraging termites to a slow-acting poison. One popular type of termiticide bait interrupts termites’ natural growth, killing them as they try to molt. Because of the toxin’s delayed action, the infected termites will bring the insecticide back to the colony and transmit it to other termites. The best method will depend on the type of termites you have, though some methods work for both subterranean and drywood termites. Essential oils are not intended for severe infestations, but orange or neem oil are considered natural pesticides and may work during the early stages. Orange oil will kill the termites, while neem oil will stop termites from reproducing.
Boric acid can be found at any home improvement store and often comes in the form of a powder. One option is to sprinkle it in any areas where termites are present. Some homeowners find it more effective to mix the powder with water before spraying. It’s a good idea to wear a mask and goggles while handling boric acid to avoid irritating the eyes or lungs. One common problem homeowners face across the country is pest infestations.
These professionals have the right gear and equipment that aren’t sold at stores to diminish the problem quickly and effectively. The second option for treating termites when working with an exterminator is bait. The termite that finds the wood eats it, then takes the food back to its colony for the rest to feed on. High moisture levels and lots of wood are the popular reasons for luring termites to your home. Putting these together, like rotted water-wood, is a feast for these little crawlers. Have mulch in your flowerbed around the front or back of your house?
No comments:
Post a Comment