Ridding a home of termites requires special skills and is a job for professionals. Knowledge of building construction is needed to identify the critical areas where termites are likely to enter. Many of these potential points of entry are hidden and difficult to access.
Termite control also utilizes specialized equipment such as masonry drills, pumps, large-capacity tanks, and soil treatment rods. A typical treatment may involve hundreds of gallons of a liquid pesticide, known as a termiticide, injected into the ground alongside the foundation, beneath concrete slabs, and within foundation walls.
DIY Treatments - Do They Work?
"Do-it-yourself" products, sold to homeowners at retail stores or bought over the internet, will seldom eradicate an existing termite problem. Termites feed slowly, so taking a few weeks to decide on your termite control program makes little difference. It is more important to take your time to select a reputable pest control firm.
The use of insecticides like borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) and/or pressure-treated wood (chromated copper arsenate) protect against termites and wood decay fungi. However, even railroad ties, telephone poles, and pressure-treated wood can be subject to termite attacks over time.
What Can Homeowners Do to Prevent An Infestation?
Eliminate Moisture Problems:
- Avoid moisture accumulation near the foundation. Divert water away with properly maintained clean downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks.
- Pull or grade the ground near the foundation for surface water to drain away from the building.
- Promptly repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units.
- Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes.
- Provide proper ventilation in the basement or crawl space to eliminate moisture (e.g., enhance cross ventilation, screen and remove any vegetation covering vents, etc.).
Remove Termite Food Sources:
- Keep all wooden parts of the house foundation at least 6 inches above the soil, although an 18-inch gap between the soil and wooden portions of the building is ideal. Use concrete or steel supports, steps, etc., when in contact with soil.
- Check decks and wooden fences regularly for damage. A minimum of 6 to 8 inches between ground level and porch steps, latticework, door or window frames, etc., is recommended.
- Install trellises, vines, and trim plants so they do not contact the house. Do not build flower planters against the house.
- Avoid or minimize the use of wood mulch next to the foundation (no more than a 2-inch depth is recommended). When mulch is used, avoid contact with the wood siding or frames of doors and windows. Pea gravel or crushed stone are much less attractive to termites, ants, millipedes, crickets, etc.
Remove dead trees, debris, stumps and roots, and stacks of firewood from around the building. - Regularly inspect cracks or joints in concrete slabs for evidence of termites.
Make Sure They’re Gone for Good with a Termite Inspection with the Termite Experts at Truly Nolen
If you suspect you have a termite infestation in your home, it's important to take action as soon as possible and schedule an inspection. With over 80 years of experience, we’ve perfected effective termite control services nationwide. Give us a call today at 800-468-7859 to get started!
