Have you noticed suspicious damage on your property? Are you absolutely sure that you have got a termite infestation going on and you do not know what you should do next? Dealing with termites is not an easy task.
Subterranean termites are known as dangerous pests because they can cause billions of dollars worth of damage every single year! What makes it even more serious is the fact that they are not easy to kill, because they may remain buried in the wooden structures, walls, floors, etc. Nevertheless, it is not an impossible mission. Firstly, to get rid of termites, one needs to find out as much about them as possible. Termites are tiny brown insects that live underground or within the wood. They feed on a variety of things ranging from wood to fecal matter. By reading this simple guide, you will be one step closer to solving your problem with these annoying and dangerous pests.
1. Know what attracts them
What exactly attracted these little pests to your property should be the first thing you should find out. People usually know very little about these little critters, so they are unaware of what brings them out of the soil. Finding out as much as you can is an important first step because as soon as you realize what the main cause of the infestation is, you can immediately remove it from your property. For example, a lot of people keep firewood or wood debris close to their house, ideally piled or stored right next to the property. In this scenario, you should definitely try to fix this issue and store your firewood elsewhere, as far away as possible. Also, if possible, try to get rid of decayed lumber, which termites prefer over sound wood. In addition, look out for moist and dark places such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements. These areas of your home are the most suitable for termite colonies to infest. Plus, any leakage should be fixed right away! Make sure to minimize water accumulation on your property by repairing damage as soon as possible. Leaky pipes or gutters are a no-no!
2. Call a professional pest management service
Even though termite infestation is a global issue, for example, there are pest control companies all over America such as https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/local/georgia/, it seems that more and more Australian citizens struggle with this dangerous problem. One of the best ways to deal with this difficulty is to seek out the help of a good pest management service. Even though Australia has been trying to deal with termite infestation on and off every year, it still remains a serious concern. One of the cities that struggles with termites is Brisbane. For long-term and efficient results, a lot of citizens opt for the services of termite control Brisbane. Professionals will inspect the severity of the issue and they will know exactly what to do next.
On the other hand, for people who decide to try and fix the problem themselves, it is advisable to not start off by replacing old wood with new wood right away! This is not a good idea, because it does not get rid of the whole colony. Instead, try to cover some of the exposed wood surfaces with barriers, or try reconstructing the foundation. A concrete foundation is the best choice to make.
3. Bait and monitoring systems
One of the most successful ways to get rid of a nasty infestation is the use of bait and monitoring systems. People usually prefer using this method because it is eco-friendly and effective. So, are you wondering how this system actually works? In reality, it is quite simple. The system includes bait stations that contain treated baits. As soon as termite colonies come across one of these baits, they carry the poisonous material back. It is a very effective method of getting rid of these pests because it does not only get rid of the colony but the Queen as well. Also, it lasts a long time! From time to time, it is important to call a professional to refill these bait stations. An excellent bait and monitoring system is a must if you are facing termites in your home.
4. Use termite treatments
If nothing else works for you, then maybe go for a termite treatment. These treatments come in two main types, Non-chemical treatments, and the more aggressive chemical treatments.
Non-chemical treatments are a great choice if you are afraid to use pesticides or any hazardous chemicals on your property. So, how can you get rid of termites if you choose this option? First of all, you can try using a physical barrier that will keep the termites off of your property. This barrier is usually incorporated during the actual construction process. Secondly, you can use effective biological control agents that could be helpful in this matter, for example, nematodes and fungi.
Chemical treatments, on the other hand, need to be licensed first before they can be used. Also, this type of treatment needs to be done by a skilled pest management professional. Pesticides that are used in this particular context are called termiticides. Some treatments that have been approved and are safe to use are for example termite baits, wood treatments, liquid termiticides, and so on. Termite baits, in particular, are quite effective in reducing and getting rid of a termite infestation. It is a great way to reduce the overall usage of insecticide, which is much better for the whole environment. When it comes to what ingredients you should look out for when getting a treatment, you should focus on Bifenthrin, Cyfluthrin, Fipronil, Permethrin, etc. Also, Borates should be mentioned as well. Borates are commonly used for handling this job, because they are quick and convenient, coming in spray form.
Are you scared to use any kind of termiticide? Is it safe at all? Do not worry, because the federal agency makes sure all pesticides (termiticides included) are regulated. Also, when used according to the directions on the label, it should not be harmful to humans, nor the environment. On the other hand, a lot of termiticides on the market are dangerous and toxic and should be used only by a skilled professional! Make sure you hire someone who possesses knowledge and expertise, and this way you have nothing to worry about.
In conclusion, getting rid of termites in your home is not an easy job, but it is well worth it. The damage these tiny insects can cause is tremendous. As soon as you find out that you have this problem on your hands, do not hesitate in calling a trained and skilled professional! Remember, there is no problem that can not be solved if you act right away.