Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Asfa Rasheed
There’s nothing worse than unwanted guests who won’t take their leave—especially when they creep around unseen. That’s the case with termites, one of the most common infestations throughout the continental U.S. Despite their tiny size, these sneaky insects can become massive headaches, especially because they cause between $1 and $7 billion in property damage each year!
Unfortunately, kicking these pests out of your house isn’t as easy as it sounds. Because of their fast reproduction and eating habits, they tend to spread fast.
In other words, knowing how to get rid of termites can make a huge difference if you want to preserve your home. Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to keep in mind as you manage your pest problem.
Table of Contents
Identify Your Infestation
First things first: make sure you’re dealing with termites rather than a similar infestation like flying ants. It can help to be aware of the signs of termites, which include sawdust-like droppings and discarded termite wings.
Next, locate the site of the termite problem within your home. Different types of termites create their nests in different areas, so you may have to do some sleuthing throughout your walls and foundation. Look for tunnels along the walls and areas with weakened or hollow wood.
Try Oils and Chemicals
In some cases, getting rid of termites is as easy as putting the right substances in their path.
Essential oils like orange oil and neem oil, for example, can prevent termites from shedding skin or laying eggs. Termiticides, on the other hand, are chemicals designed to kill these insects fast. You can put either of these substances into or around the areas where termites nest.
In addition, some states allow consumers to buy pro-grade termiticide barriers. Use these treatments to set up a perimeter around your home, killing termites that eat the treated materials.
Boric acid is another great solution, especially if you’re hoping to eliminate an entire colony of termites at once. Because it dehydrates and kills termites, spraying it onto the colony can score you a quick win.
Use Beneficial Nematodes
Nematodes are termites’ natural predators. These microscopic parasites are easy to find online or in stores. All you’ll need to do for treatment is mix them into your potting soil and spread them around any infested areas around your home.
Call the Professionals
If you’ve tried the tips above in vain, or if the scope of the problem is too large for you to tackle on your own, it might be time to call for expert help. Professional exterminators like the team at Reynolds Home Pest Control, for example, will have the skills, tools, and experience to manage extensive termite infestations without putting your home at risk. They can help you navigate your options, point you toward resources for restoring the damage, and even set up preventative measures to ensure that your infestation doesn’t return.
Know How to Get Rid of Termites
No matter where you live in the continental U.S., termites can be a major nuisance. If these pests have made themselves at home where you live, knowing how to get rid of termites fast can help you preserve the structural integrity of your property before it’s too late. When in doubt, try the steps above or reach out to an expert for specific advice!
Want more tips to help you make the most of your home? Be sure to take a look at our other content for additional insights.
