Termite infestations can cause severe property damage, not to mention thousands of dollars in repair costs, and even collapse of the structure if the infestation is severe.
To make matters worse, these wood-destroying insects are notoriously difficult to spot and eradicate. Understanding why termites enter your home and how to get rid of them if they do is the first step to protecting your home.
Here’s how to get rid of termites and when it’s time to call a professional exterminator.
Why do termites come into the house?
Termites invade homes when a food source is available. Termites feed on rotting wood, so they will invade if there is an ongoing problem with moisture or leaks. That’s why “termites are attracted to homes with leaking pipes,” says Jeff Schumacher, owner of Dallas, Texas-based pest control company AllSafe Pest and Termite.
However, termites that live in outdoor wood sources can move into your home and feed on unrotted wood. According to Schumacher, “clogged gutters, wet mulch (and) piles of wood placed directly on the ground (on the outside)” can also cause termite infestations inside.
How to safely remove termites from your home
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get rid of termites manually like with other pests. Termites are usually hidden deep in the back studs, rafters, and joists of walls, ceilings, and floors, so they are rarely approached.
Instead, you can hire professionals to set up bait stations or use other insecticides to eliminate colonies in your home.
Natural ways to get rid of termites
DIY or natural treatments may not be able to get rid of termites. So while some products exist, they are unlikely to get the job done.
“There are home remedies, but they don’t really treat the central colony,” Schumacher said. “Termites live deep underground or inside the wood they are consuming, so commercial products are not very effective, especially in the long term. If you have an active infestation, it is worth getting professional evaluation and treatment.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that using certain nematodes and fungi in the garden around your home can reduce the risk of infestation, but the EPA does not regulate them and there is no strong evidence to support that they are effective.
professional termite treatment
Professional termite treatment is the only way to get rid of termites in your home. Below is a breakdown of the effects you can expect from termite extermination.
- Inspections and recommendations: First, a professional should inspect your home to confirm the presence of termites and provide recommendations to reduce the risk of ongoing problems. These recommendations include removing outdoor wood piles, removing all wood in contact with the ground on your property, and sanding down tree stumps.
- Liquid chemical processing applications: Next, the professional “creates a treatment zone around the foundation by applying a targeted liquid treatment that the termites carry back to the central colony,” Schumacher says.
- Setting up the bait station: And professionals should “set up bait and monitoring stations around their properties to catch early signs of new activity,” Schumacher added. Bait stations typically require an annual contract. The cost of ongoing pest control varies greatly depending on location and property size.
- Continuous monitoring: Finally, the exterminator should schedule follow-up visits for regular maintenance inspections to check the defenses and reapply treatments as necessary.
How to prevent termites from recurring
There is no way to guarantee that termites will not re-enter your home other than ongoing treatment and monitoring with professionally installed bait stations. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.
- Reduce humidity. Termites are attracted to damp wood, so it’s important to limit the humidity in your home. “If you live in a humid area, using a dehumidifier to keep subfloors and basements dry can be very helpful,” Schumacher advised. “Make sure the crawl space is well ventilated as well.”
- Fix the leak as soon as possible. Plumbing leaks and roof leaks can seep into the wood behind walls, floors, and ceilings and rot over time. Have your plumbing and roof inspected by a professional annually, repair any leaks as soon as you notice them, and consider installing an EPA-recommended leak detection system.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources. Move piles of firewood away from the house, choose stones for the top of wooden fences in gardens and landscaping, and have a professional grind down tree stumps if you need to remove a tree. Cleaning your gutters regularly can also be helpful, especially if there are trees near your home or your roof overhangs.
Common mistakes when getting rid of termites
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when trying to get rid of termites is relying solely on professional treatment or relying solely on preventive measures. “Proactive maintenance combined with regular professional monitoring and treatment is the most effective way to get rid of termites,” Schumacher says.
Ignoring early warning signs is also a common mistake. “If you’re not careful, termites can go unnoticed for years,” Schumacher advised. “That’s why we recommend annual testing by a trained professional to ensure early detection.”Even having a professional test once a year can prevent early infestations from becoming serious problems.
When to contact a pest control professional
If you notice any signs of termites in or around your home, you should already call a professional. It’s not really possible to treat termites DIY, and if you don’t get rid of the core colony, the problem will only continue.
Over time, termite damage can destabilize a structure and cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The price you pay for professional termite treatment is well worth the investment.
Additionally, if you live in a termite-prone area, you should consider having a professional install a termite bait station for you, even if you don’t see any obvious signs of termites in your home. Where termites are present, it is only a matter of time before they invade, so preventive measures are also important.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to get rid of termites?
The quickest way to get rid of termites is to call in a liquid chemical treatment specialist and set up a bait station. Termites carry liquid chemical treatments back to their colonies to kill them at the source, but bait stations allow for continuous monitoring and reduce the risk of future infestations.
Can I get rid of termites myself?
Unfortunately, there is no successful DIY termite treatment. Although the EPA regulates effective chemicals used by professionals, there is no evidence that home remedies are effective. However, you can combine professional treatment with DIY preventive measures, such as regularly cleaning gutters and removing wood piles that can attract more termites.
What is termite’s biggest enemy?
Ants, spiders, and other insects feed on termites, but termites’ biggest enemy is a lack of food. Termites are always looking for new sources of damp wood, so the best way to prevent infestation other than chemical treatments is to reduce moisture inside your home by avoiding leaks, and to avoid damp wood outdoors, such as rotting stumps or firewood piles.
How can I get rid of termites permanently?
There is no permanent solution to termites, but with professional help, you can keep them at bay. Professional treatment begins with testing and eliminating the food source. Next, the professional applies a liquid chemical treatment. This can kill the entire colony. Then set up bait stations and monitor future activity. It can also be treated with the application of liquid chemicals.
