Even the most powerful treatment methods may not kill all of the the termites on your property in one go. To ensure that there are no surviving pests that could rebuild the population and cause more damage to your property, be sure to continually inspect your entire home for evidence of termites.
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What happens if you don’t treat for termites?
Once your termite problem is fully treated, our termite control professionals will work to create a barrier around your home that will deter termites from returning. Activities such as digging or planting where this barrier exists can leave a gap for termites to re-enter your home or office, so it’s important to maintain an ongoing relationship with your pest control professional to ensure …
How to get rid of termites?
· Make the Structure Less Attractive to Termites During construction, use a concrete foundation and leave a ventilation space between the soil and wood. Cover exposed wood surfaces with a sealant or metal barrier. Maintain the Termite Prevention Features
Should I have a post-treatment swarm after termite treatment?
Shoot Termidor Foam directly into cracks, voids, and crevices that make for great termite hiding places. The odorless foam will expand, then evaporate, leaving behind a residue that poisons termites as soon as they touch it. This method lasts for a month or slightly longer. Termite Baits: Termite baits are a proven method. These baits, installed around the perimeter of your home’s …
Should I repair or replace my home if I have termites?
Make sure your attic, basement or crawl space is dry and well ventilated. Watch out for mud tubes. "Both inside and outside, look for mud tubes that …
How do you make sure termites are gone?
Some of the best ways to get rid of termites is to apply termite-killing products to your home's exterior, use direct chemicals on the inside of your home, set up termite baits, and spray boric acid in your floors and walls.
Do termites come out after treatment?
Can Termites Return After Treatment? Unfortunately, they can. Termite treatment is very involved and requires ongoing maintenance to keep these pests out. Once your termite problem is fully treated, our termite control professionals will work to create a barrier around your home that will deter termites from returning.
How likely are termites to come back after treatment?
They are resilient, and they have a habit of coming back. A recent survey covered 1329 homes across the US that underwent termite treatment. A staggering 37.3% of them had termite re-infestation.
How long do termites stay away after treatment?
How Long Do Termites Live After Treatment? On average, termites will start dying off within a day or two, if you are using chemical treatment. In the event of serious infestations, you may have to wait longer for the treatment to kill the entire colony, since it has to reach the queen.
Why am I seeing termites after treatment?
You may notice winged termites, called swarmers, after your home has received a thorough termiticide application. This can be a normal occurrence due to the biology of these insects. They can continue to swarm in the same location for three to four weeks after a chemical application has been applied. This is normal.
What to expect after treating termites?
Post-treatment termite swarms are not uncommon and may occur up to around four weeks after an effective treatment. The goal of termiticide use is to create mortality among the workers and the other caste members of the termite colony, weaken the colony, and eventually eliminate it.
Can termites return after fumigation?
Termites can return with in 2-3 weeks after fumigation. . It is important that you get yourself an yearly appointment with your exterminator. He will make sure that a valid barrier remains around your house.
How long do termites live in wood?
Workers and soldiers live approximately one to two years. Queen termites may survive for over a decade under optimal climate conditions.
Is termite treatment effective?
There are several termite treatments available, from liquid termiticides to baiting systems, and each has varying degrees of effectiveness in eliminating a termite infestation. When a trusted treatment is administered properly, termites can almost always be eliminated effectively.
How long does it take for termites to destroy a house?
Depending on the size of the house, building or other structure, it may take 3 – 5 years for termite damage to be obvious – this depends on the size of the colony (or colonies) present. Some research has found that it would take up to 15+ years (give or take) for termites to completely destroy your home.
Why do they drill holes for termite treatment?
Drilling into the slab is a good way to reach termites. Holes can also be drilled directly into infested wood, which is another way of reaching termites directly. Some of the other ways termites can infest your home is by getting into your crawl space or burrowing into your home through the soil along the foundation.
How often should I tent my house for termites?
Unlike annual termite inspections, you do not need to fumigate for termites yearly or at scheduled intervals after the active colonies have been controlled. However, after fumigation, it is important to continue to receive annual inspections to identify signs of infestations as soon as possible.
What is the fastest way to get rid of termites?
The fastest way to get rid of termites is to call a professional pest control company like Orkin, Terminix, or Rentokil. These companies have acces...
What are the signs of termites in your home?
There are many different signs of termites. Telltale signs include subterranean termites' mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, and all termite frass an...
What chemical kills termites?
There are two main chemicals used to kill termites—fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is the specially designed chemical used as an active ingredi...
How much does it cost to get rid of termites?
A pest control company cannot give you a quote without performing an inspection, so that they can see the type of termite, the degree of infestatio...
How to tell if you have termites?
Some of the ways to discover if you have termites are listed below: Examine, by probing, exposed wood for hollow spots (using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool). Identify termite swarms (sometimes ant swarms are mistaken as termites).
What is termite bait?
In recent years, several bait systems have been introduced to help reduce the overall use of insecticides and their impact on human health and the environment. These systems rely on cellulose baits that contain a slow-acting insecticide. The most common active ingredients found in termite baits are:
What is the active ingredient in termite bait?
The most common active ingredients found in termite baits are: Diflubenzuron - inhibits insect development. Hexaflumuron - first active ingredient registered as a reduced-risk pesticide. It is used as part of a termite inspection, monitoring, and baiting system. Also see general fact sheet (PDF) (3 pp, 248.46 K) Exit.
What is the EPA responsible for?
As the federal agency responsible for regulating all pesticides, including termiticides, sold, applied, or distributed in the United States, EPA must ensure that the pesticide, when used according to label directions, meets current safety standards to protect human health and the environment.
What is the Department of Agriculture?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has several termite research and control programs. Provides invaluable research on different termite control treatments and technologies. The U.S. Forest Service provides research support related to termites. They publish news and events for the public on termites and termite control.
What to do if you suspect termites?
If you suspect you have termites of either variety, call a professional pest control company to investigate. These tenacious pests can destroy the foundation of your home quickly. The DIY methods may help slightly in the short term, but they’re no match for professional equipment, products, and expertise.
How to kill subterranean termites?
Getting Rid of Subterranean and Drywood Termites. Boric Acid: Boric acid is a tried-and-true method for killing termites. Many of the termite insecticides you can find at the store use the highly effective boric acid as the main ingredient. Boric acid works by dehydrating the termite and shutting down its nervous system.
How do you know if you have termites in your house?
If you suspect you have termites in your home, it’s important to take action quickly. Telltale signs like hollow-sounding wood and mud tubes will let you know they’re taking over. It pays to be vigilant, because termites can do a lot of damage before you even realize they’re there.
How much does a home spend on termite control?
Homeowners across the country spend $5 billion a year on termite control and repair, according to the pest control company Orkin. The best way to get rid of termites is to call in a professional pest control company.
How long does termite bait last?
This method lasts for a month or slightly longer. Termite Baits: Termite baits are a proven method. These baits, installed around the perimeter of your home’s foundation, attract foraging termites to the poison within. The slow-acting toxin interrupts termites’ natural growth, killing them as they try to molt.
What is termite bait?
Termite Baits: Termite baits are a proven method. These baits, installed around the perimeter of your home’s foundation, attract foraging termites to the poison within. The slow-acting toxin interrupts termites’ natural growth, killing them as they try to molt.
What is the best way to kill termites?
Boric Acid : Boric acid is a tried-and-true method for killing termites. Many of the termite insecticides you can find at the store use the highly effective boric acid as the main ingredient. Boric acid works by dehydrating the termite and shutting down its nervous system.
Can you eliminate termites on your own?
Unlike some other pests, termites aren't easy to eliminate on your own. Since many homeowners don't detect a termite problem until it's rapidly spread, it's hard to contain the situation without the help of a professional.
How to prevent termites from forming?
At the same time, that doesn't mean you can't try a little DIY pest control of your own, and try to avoid termites in the first place: 1 Don't overdo it on the mulch! Keep it at least 15 inches away from your foundation. 2 Seal up any holes or cracks on your home's exterior. 3 Keep firewood (and any other wood) at least 20 feet away from your house and five inches off the ground. 4 Keep an eye on any exterior wood, including door frames, windows and skirting boards, for any visible changes. 5 Send water away from your house. "Termites also need moisture to survive, so homeowners should ensure their property has proper drainage and that gutters and downspouts route water away from the structure. Ensure equipment such as air conditioners are also inspected for condensation lines or other components that may produce moisture and that they are properly routed away from the structure," Cooper said. 6 Make sure your attic, basement or crawl space is dry and well ventilated. 7 Watch out for mud tubes. "Both inside and outside, look for mud tubes that some termite species build as they make their way up from the soil and into your home." Hartzer said.
How do you know if you have termites?
Since termites act like silent assassins, you might not even know you have an infestation until it's too late. But you can keep an eye out for some of these telltale signs of a termite infestation: 1 Wood damage: According to Mannes, termites like to eat wood from the inside out, so if your wood sounds hollow when you knock on it, you may have a problem. Rotting wood is also a dead giveaway of a termite problem. 2 Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites need moisture while they travel back and forth between their colony and their food source, so they build mud tubes. You'll find them most often near your home's foundation, but can also be found in basements or crawl spaces. 3 Frass: Drywood termites like to leave behind these powdered shavings while they're eating through wood. 4 Swarmers: These young female and winged termites can often be found in homes during spring and are often mistaken for flying ants. "If you see ant-like creatures both with and without wings, as well as discarded wings on the ground in the area where the swarm occurred, it may be termites," Cooper said.
Can termites damage walls?
While they’re certainly less common than your average insect, termites can cause a whole lot more damage than most other pests, and can even threaten the structural integrity of your home. That's because they can chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper without you ever even noticing!
Do termites live on wood?
These termites not only infest the wood used in the construction of the home but can also infest wooden furniture as well," Cooper said. Termites love wood, so they typically feed on your house's structure and walls, but they especially enjoy wood that's come in contact with the soil.
Can you kill termites on your own?
How to kill termites. Unlike some other pests, termites aren't easy to eliminate on your own. Since many homeowners don't detect a termite problem until it's rapidly spread, it's hard to contain the situation without the help of a professional.
Can termites cause damage?
"Termites can cause widespread damage, so it is always best to work with a qualified professional in the event of an infestation . Depending on the species, professionals will recommend a treatment that is tailored to your home’s needs — which could include anything from a liquid treatment to a baiting system or, in the case of drywood termites, even fumigation," Cooper said.
How long does it take for termites to die?
In some homes, this takes place rapidly and in others, it may take several weeks.
How long does it take for termite control to work?
So, if you should have a POST-TREATMENT SWARM, don’t feel that the treatment was unsuccessful. Termite control takes a number of weeks for complete results because it is dependent upon the drying out of the wooden structures in your home.
Do termites work?
It does little good to rid one area of termites while leaving the rest of your home vulnerable to an attack. As with many DIY projects, there are many termite treatment methods across the web that simply do not work. Termites can cause catastrophic damage to your home and belongings if not handled properly, and if you want them gone permanently, ...
Can termites be killed?
Though most of the termites present will be killed after the first major treatment , there is always the chance that survivors will, especially eggs and nymphs.
Does nematode kill termites?
Unlike previous examples, this treatment method WILL kill a large number of termites if done correctly. However, while nematodes have the ability to decimate a large percentage of a termite population, there is no proof that this treatment method will have a 100% rate of effectiveness.
Can bug bombs kill termites?
However, these bombs only cover the one room they’re placed in, and the insecticide used does not penetrate wood or other surfaces. In the end, this means that bug bombs can kill some termites on the surface but cannot reach them where they’re most heavily concentrated: the nest.
How to keep termites from coming back?
To prevent termites from coming back, remove any piles of wood around your home so they don’t have a food source. Termites also need water, so make sure there aren’t any standing pools of water around your home. Finally, cover vents that lead into your home with screens so termites can’t get inside.
Can you get rid of termites yourself?
If you’re dealing with an infestation, don’t panic. While termites are serious, they’re not invincible, and in most cases you can get rid of them yourself.
How to tell if you have termites?
You may not see direct evidence of termite infestation, but that doesn't mean you should remain ignorant of it. Sagging floors, holes in woodwork and hollow parts of your foundation are all serious warning signs of termites. You may actually see the termites themselves, as well.
How to get rid of termites in cardboard?
Take a couple flat strips of cardboard, wet them, and stack them on one another in an area where termites are likely to be. Because termites feed on cellulose (cardboard), this makes for an excellent spot trap. When the cardboard is infested with termites, take it out in a safe area and burn it.
How long does it take for termites to kill?
On a sunny day, place your furniture outside for as long as possible - preferably 2-3 days. This method works well in conjunction with the cardboard trap method for capturing/killing the termites.
How to kill termites with boric acid?
The best way to kill termites with boric acid is to use bait stations. Coat or spray wood (or another cellulose material) evenly with boric acid. Plant the boric acid bait in the garden near your house or in an open infestation. Check on the bait station regularly and replenish it with boric acid as needed.
Why do termites live in damp areas?
Maintain a dry home or apartment. Termites are naturally drawn to damp and moist habitats because they need water to survive. So make sure you ratchet up your vigilance about keeping things dry, or else termites will invade.
What to do if you suspect termites?
If you suspect termite infestation, cut away a piece of wood at the site, if possible. Different types of termites leave distinctly different patterns of damage in wood. Subterranean termites devour soft wood and eat along the grain. This produces a distinct honeycomb pattern in the wood.
How to tell if a termite is in your house?
If you look carefully, you may be able to find clues of termite infestations, even if you're unable to see the insect itself. Visual signs of a termite colony can include floors that buckle or sag, loose tiles, pinpoint holes in drywall, damaged wood crumbles easily, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
How much does a home owner spend on termite damage?
Homeowners spend billions of dollars annually to treat infestations and repair termite damage. Early detection is crucial in limiting the scope of a colony's destructiveness, but it can be difficult to do.
What do subterranean termites eat?
Subterranean termites devour soft wood and eat along the grain. This produces a distinct honeycomb pattern in the wood. It is crucial to stop subterranean termites as soon as the infestation is discovered. One type, the Formosan termite, is especially voracious, due largely to its massive numbers.
What are termites in wood?
Termites are just one of several types of wood-boring insects that damage homes. Carpenter ants and certain beetles also devour wood. It's important to determine which pest has infiltrated your home in order to chart the proper course of action against the colony.
What are the characteristics of termites?
Termites have certain characteristics different from ants and beetles. Worker termites often are pale yellow in color and have soft bodies. Carpenter ants and beetles are usually much darker in color and have hard exoskeletons. Termites have straight antennae, very different from the elbowed antennae of carpenter ants.
What is the difference between termites and carpenter ants?
Worker termites often are pale yellow in color and have soft bodies. Carpenter ants and beetles are usually much darker in color and have hard exoskeletons. Termites have straight antennae, very different from the elbowed antennae of carpenter ants.
How to prevent termite infestation?
The best way to avoid a termite infestation is to prevent it from happening in the first place is to call an experienced termite control company.
What to do if you don't have termite insurance?
If you do not have insurance coverage, or, after speaking to your agent and going through the initial processes, the next step will be to determine exactly how much damage the termites have done to the home.
Can termites damage wood?
In many cases, by the time you notice signs of a termite infestation, your home has already been damaged and will need to be repaired. Termites damage and destroy the strength of the wood and weaken it. The more severe the damages are to your home, the greater the likelihood that the support structures of the home will fail, ...
Do termites live underground?
Subterranean termites live underground and will build mud tubes in different areas of the home to access the wood and avoid exposure to the outdoors. On the other hand, drywood termites will establish their colonies directly in the home because they can survive above ground.
Does insurance cover termites?
Some insurance policies may cover damages caused by termites. Before you start looking for contractors, tearing out sections of the walls to access damaged areas, or doing any other type of repair work, talk to your insurance agent. You may discover they will cover some or all of the damages minus your deductible.
What do termites eat?
Anything made from wood or wood-based materials is at risk. They will eat solid wood, pressboard, drywall, books, furniture, cabinets, countertops, and so on.
Do termites sleep?
You need to ensure your home is protected both inside and outside at all times. Termites never sleep and never stop eating. If you rest on your laurels after having your home repaired, you are basically re-inviting the termites to return to your home.
Can termites cause a ceiling to collapse?
Advanced termite infestation is a serious matter, and can even cause ceilings or floors to collapse. In addition to mud tubes and termite trails, signs of termite damage include buckling ceilings or walls, small holes in the wall, hollow-sounding wood, maze-like designs in wooden structures, and spots that appear to be water damaged.
How much damage do termites do to homes?
Each year, in the United States, termites do about $5 billion worth of damage to homes and other structures. For many homeowners, this means that even after the termites are gone, the house is left with unsightly damage that most insurance plans don’t cover.
Can termites eat cellulose?
In fact, cellulose is even in the food we eat. Termites can eat just about anything that contains cellulose, and they’ll go to great lengths to get it. They’ve got extremely tough mandibles and can chew through a surprising variety of materials, including drywall, foam, plastics, and even thin sheets of lead.