An Unbiased View of Termite Control Use
There are three main types of termites: drywood, dampwood and subterranean. Each kind of termite colony includes employees (who consume your home ), soldiers (who defend other people from predators such as ants) and swarmers (flyers that locate new places to colonize). Although you dont generally see termites unless theyre swarming (flying), its good to know how to identify them, Wilson states.
Drywood termites commonly possess a brown body with a reddish head. Swarmers have absolute, tan wings but there are color variations. Workers are pale, tan and look like maggots, with no wings.
Dampwood termites are much like drywood termites, often with a tan or brown body and absolute wings. These employees also resemble maggots.
Termite Control Use Fundamentals Explained
Drywood termites are partial to dry, nondecayed wood and often end up in attics, floor boards and window frames.
Dampwood termites such as decaying wood or timber that is rich with moisture. They often attack wood that is making contact with the ground and are found in regions with high rainfall or humidity.
All About Termite Control Use
Drywood and dampwood termites enter your home through small cracks, often around window frames through cracks in the home. Be sure to check around windows regularly and reapply caulk when it begins to show signs of age and cracking. Swarmers shed their wings and float into the timber. Cracks in paint are another easy access point for termites.
Be mindful of maintaining your exterior paint. As an example, when you hammer Christmas lights then take the nails out, you leave behind little holes and produce an open door for a termite colony. .
Subterranean termites often burrow into cracks in the homes foundation. In regions such as the San Francisco Bay Area, a lot houses have increased foundations, Wilson says. Termites build mud tubes around the bottom floor, often along posts. But even in the absence of articles, Wilson sayssand tubes can extend from the ground try this site up through thin atmosphere to connect with the bottom of the house. .
The Single Strategy To Use For Termite Control Using Borax
So what can you do if you find a termite in your home If you see one drop wing or one termite flying by, it doesnt mean you have an infestation. But if you see a group of shed wings or any of the other warning signs noted above, its best to get a professional inspection.
Termites are actually easy to kill, Wilson says, however you need a termiticide to perform it. Unfortunately, good pesticides are not readily available to the public. Most home stores promote termite spray, but these are watered down to meet public security specifications, so theyre not as successful.
If you've got an infestation that's isolated to one part of your home, say the door trimming, you can replace the trimming, Wilson says. But if you've got a full-on termite infestation, you need a bigger scale treatment.
The Only Guide to Termite Control Use
Subterranean termites must get cut away read from the house at the soil. Pacific Coast Termites makes a chemical barrier between any areas of dirt and the home, as well as around the entire house. It functions as a shield that the termites cant break through.
Drywood and dampwood termites can be killed with a timber treatment product like XT2000 Orange Oil, which is injected under pressure into the wood through ink-pen-sized holes. This item saturates the wood and will prevent future infestations. Treating a moderate infestation this manner takes about four to six hours.
Homes that are exceptionally infested (you can see termites everywhere) can require fumigation. Either a huge tent is placed over your house, or all of the doors and windows are sealed, and the residence is gassed with pesticide that will kill all the termites. This procedure can take anywhere from six hours to one week, depending on the type of infestation.
How Termite Control Using Borax can Save You Time, Stress, and Money.
Apply an excellent, quality coating of paint on your property, since termites wont eat through paint. Ensure that all windows, doorframes and foundation gaps are caulked and sealed. Dont staple or nail up Christmas lights then yank them down. The tiny holes make termite homes. Instead, either leave the nails in the pockets year-round or fill the holes when you remove the nails. .
Quickly solve any plumbing leaks, standing water on your roof or other difficulties involving decaying wood. Provide proper ventilation under your raised home to maintain that area dry. Subterranean termites adore wetness.