Finding termites in yourhome can be frustrating. Being able to identify the type of termite and the steps needed to get rid of the termites is a valuable skill. This is a guide on how to kill subterranean termites in your home.
Identifying Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite. They need moisture to survive and are usually found in trees, plants, and lumber. In structures, these pests usually enter through plumbing and cement expansion joints as well as any cracks or areas that give them access to a house or building. Any wood that directly touches the soil is at a much higher risk for termite infestation. What distinguishes subterranean termites is their mud shelter tubes. They build these directly from the soil to wooden beans or up walls.
Watch out for swarming, wings, the mud tubes, and damaged woods. A professional inspector is not needed to find these pests and anyone with a flashlight and a sharp pair of eyes should be able to inspect a home or building for termites.
Termite Control
Subterranean termites can be dealt with in three main ways. A liquid repellent treatment is usually a preventative measure and can be used in new buildings or ones where termite infestation is not present. This is a great step to take before termites can be found. However, it’s not a great option when trying to rid a building of an infestation
A liquid non-repellent termiticide treatment is a good option. This won’t stop the termites from attacking and the pests can live up to 90 days after being exposed. This is actually beneficial as it allows them to share the poison with the other termites in the colony. After a period of time, the poison will actually kill the termites, leading to a severe population decline. While this method is very effective, it may not completely rid the building of the termites, but simply keep them under control.
A third option is a termite bait systems. This is actually very easy to use and maintain. The bait is left within the termite-infested area and the termites bring the bait back to the colony where it is shared with the other pests and kills the majority of the colony. This will work by suppressing the system and will eventually lead to the death of the entire colony. Most professionals recommend this method to get rid of termites for both the long and short run.
After termite infestations have been gotten rid of, consider a wood treatment in order to prevent further subterranean termite infestations. These are easy methods of wood treatment that has proven effective at preventing infestations and especially re-infestations.
These are some easy ways to determine if a house or building has been infested by subterranean termites. These pests leave tell-tale signs and are usually fairly easy to identify with several markers. If they have been found in a building, getting rid of them with one of these options is effective and also inexpensive.