6,000 American homes are damaged by termites each year. These pesky insects chew through wood beams, attics, drywall, and hardwood flooring, which causes thousands of dollars in repairs.
Most homes are prone to termite invasion and homeowners should have their homes inspected annually.
Discovering that your home has termites may temporarily put your life on hold. There are efficient ways to rid your home of these insects, however, and preventative measures you can take to ensure your home remains termite-free.
Read here to learn about termite prevention methods and how to treat termites.
Termite Prevention
Routine home inspections are the best way to guarantee the health of your home. If you are building a new house, concrete foundations are ideal and almost impossible for termites to invade.
Block foundations crack over time and welcome termites. If your house is older, you may want to consider adding metal plates- also known as termite shields- to cap your block piers and restrict termite access.
Additionally, all soil, mulch, and plants should be at least 4 inches away from the foundation of your home to further prevent termites. Termites are likely to enter your house in areas where wood is in contact with soil.
You should also try to eliminate excess moisture in your home. Moist environments created by plumbing and roof leaks are favorable for termites.
Routine inspections of your home may also save you from a termite invasion. Check your patio, deck, and other wood surfaces for any visible damage.
Some signs of termites include:
- Swarmers (flying termites)
- Hollow or damaged wood
- Insect droppings
- Discolored drywall
- Small holes in drywall
- Decaying yard trees
How to Treat Termites
If you recently discovered termites in your home, there is no need to worry. These insects will be exterminated in no time with the right treatment.
We advise calling a terminator because termites are extremely difficult to terminate without professional expertise.
Here’s how terminators eliminate the problem.
Pesticides
Most terminators use the pesticide Termiticide. Termiticide is injected into either the soil or the wood of the house foundation to eliminate termites.
It may also be used as bait and applied in specially designed soil stations around the perimeter of the house to trap both termites and their nests.
Soil Treatment
Terminators may opt to treat your soil if your termite problem is severe. This includes digging a trench and rodding along all sides of the foundation. They will then add termiticide to a depth of at least 30 inches around the trench.
This prevents the termite colony from further entering your house through the soil and does not damage the house drainage system.
Wood Treatment
Termiticide is applied directly to the wood foundation of your house in wood treatments. This not only removes existing termites but also prevents further exposure to the insects.
Termiticide is injected into the cavities made by termites in damaged wood. Direct injection provides adequate control and penetrates the center of the wood whereas a pesticide spray only reaches the surface.
How Long Does Termite Treatment Last?
The process of termite tent fumigation lasts between 24 and 72 hours, depending on the severity of the problem. Termite infestation may reoccur, but liquid chemical treatments typically last 5 years.
You should continuously inspect your house, however, to ensure the safety and quality of your home.
Prevent Termites in Your Home Today!
Nobody wants to be bugged by termites in their home. You can take preventative steps such as checking your yard for damaged trees, removing soil near the foundation of your house, and looking out for swarmers to prevent termite damage.
Terminators in North Carolina are available 24/7 to help with termite problems and their expertise will guarantee effective treatment.
Feel free to read Eastline Pest Management’s other blog posts about termite prevention treatment and please contact us with further termite treatment home questions.
