Termites are a common problem across the United States. Here’s how to tackle termites using the top three termite treatment methods. Signs of termite infestation include peeling paint, discolored drywall, hollow-sounding wood, and pinpoint holes in the drywall.
The three main methods for treating termites are liquid treatments, bait systems, and physical barriers.
Understanding Termites
Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that share many common characteristics with ants. Their most distinguishing characteristic is that they eat wood and plant matter, which can be destructive and problematic for humans and structures.
There are three main termites: drywood, subterranean, and Formosan. Drywood termites are found in the southern U.S., subterranean termites live all over the U.S., and Formosan termites live in coastal areas.
Termites eat cellulose, so they can be a problem for homeowners because they will eat the wood in houses and buildings.
Top three termite treatment methods
The first step in termite treatment is inspection. An inspection is a process of identifying whether or not you have a termite problem and what kind of treatment will be necessary.
Pre-treatment is taking steps to prevent termites from entering your home. Post-treatment is the process of treating an existing termite infestation.
Soil Treatment
Soil treatment is a common termite treatment method. Termiticides are applied to the soil around the foundation of a building to kill any termites that may be present.
Wood Treatment
A variety of wood treatments can help kill termite colonies that are already in your home and prevent new ones from forming. Wood treatments include surface sprays, foams, injected sprays, and borate-treated wood.
Using borate wood treatments will prevent termite infestations and eradicate any existing termites in homes. Wood treatments include surface applications of wood during the construction phase of a home and wood injections after a home is built.
Bait Systems
These treatment systems are an effective way to eradicate termite colonies. To protect the home from future and current infestations, install bait stations around the perimeter of the home.
Monitor the stations on a regular basis. This termite infestation treatment is extremely effective at getting rid of termites.
Types of termites
In the United States, there are three main types: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood. Each type of termite requires a different method of treatment.
- Drywood termites live in warm climates and consume the wood from the inside out.
- Subterranean termites live in the soil and eat cellulose from plants. They build mud tubes to travel above ground to find food.
- The dampwood termites are a hybrid of the two previous types and are very destructive.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are a class of termites found all over the United States. They are distinguished from other termites by their habit of living underground. They can be further subdivided into different types depending on the region in which they are found.
Still, they all share some common characteristics, such as their need for moisture and their ability to damage the wood.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are a particular type of termite that live in habitats where dry wood can be found. They can be found in southern coastal areas from South Carolina to Texas and up the California coast.
They are different from subterranean termites because they don’t need to be in the soil to survive.
They will eat through wood, including firewood, structural beams, hardwood floors, and even floors and walls.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites are found in humid climates where the air is moist and there is a lot of wood.
Unlike other termites, dampwood termites don’t need regular contact with the soil to survive. They prefer wood with high moisture content, such as fallen trees, tree stumps, and lumber in contact with the ground.
They don’t need regular contact with soil to survive, and they prefer wood with high moisture content. Termites can be different sizes depending on their environment; dampwood termites tend to be larger than other types of termites.
Signs of termite activity in your home
Termites are often difficult to detect, as they can be very sneaky. However, there are a few telltale signs that you may have an infestation. One of the most common is mud tubes and wings around your home.
Damage to wood structures
Termites cause damage to wood structures by eating and digesting them. This can lead to various problems, including weakened support beams, buckled floors, and even collapsed roofs.
Hollowed or splintered wood and water damage can cause buckling or swelling. There are even mounds of dirt on the property (indicating an underground nest).
Termites eat away at the wood’s support, leaving long grooves and maze-like interiors. This weakens the wood’s integrity and makes it susceptible to collapse.
Termite Swarms
Swarms of flying termites signify that a mature colony is nearby, and you should take immediate action.
Termite swarms only occur when the colony has reached its maximum capacity. This means that the colony is already quite large and poses a serious threat to the property.
When the weather conditions are right, termites will swarm as they search for new colonies. The majority of termite activity will occur during springtime when the temperature and humidity are high.
During this period, homeowners should look for winged termites around their homes.
Termite Nests
They build nests out of mud, wood, and other materials. These nests can be found both inside and outside of buildings. Each type of termite can build three types of nests, and each type of nest is differentiated by the type of termite that built it.
Termite Eggs
Termites lay their eggs in large clusters, which can be difficult to find without the help of a professional. These eggs are small and oval-shaped, with a translucent white or light brown color.
After hatching, the king and queen termites will take care of the larvae until they grow into productive colony members. This ensures that the new generation of termites will be adequately taken care of and will continue to thrive.
Larvae
Newly hatched termites are known as larvae. They are the most vulnerable stage in a termite’s life and are easy to kill. In addition, larvae are important because they will grow into one of the three types of termites- workers, soldiers, or reproductive.
They go through molting, where they shed their exoskeleton and grow a new one. Larvae need food to grow and eat cellulose from wood with the help of worker termites who break down food for them. This contributes to wood damage in the home over time.
Droppings
Different types of termites leave different droppings and frass around a home. Termites often leave their droppings in dark, secluded areas where they feel safe.
These droppings are usually black or brown, cylindrical in shape, and about 1/8 inch long. They may be noticed near water sources, feeding areas, or nests.
While the droppings themselves pose little risk to your health, they may cause issues for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Mud Tubes
They are tunnels that the termites use to connect their colonies to food sources. Several different treatment methods are available, so it is important to find the right method for your situation.
If these tubes are present in your home, it’s important to take action and treat the termites as soon as possible.
Smell
Termites often produce a similar smell to the environment, a musty, mildewy smell. It is difficult to be certain that there is a termite infestation based on smell alone. While it can indicate an issue, other factors should also be considered.
Sound
Termites are known for their destructive nature, but they are also fascinating creatures. One of the ways you can tell if you have a termite problem is by listening to their unique clicking sound. They create this noise by banging their heads against the wood.
How are termites treated using prevention methods?
Several termite prevention techniques are available, many of which do not require specialized chemicals or equipment.
Some of the most common techniques include bait stations, trenches, and foam. These prevention tactics can be broadly classified into several categories as given below;
Removing Access Points
You should repair any damage around the home, such as cracks in the foundation, and apply a fresh coat of paint, which will seal off any tiny crevices where termites might be able to establish a presence.
Reducing food sources
To reduce the number of termites in your area and protect your home, you can take simple steps to reduce their food sources. Termites need access to cellulose materials to survive.
By reducing the amount of wood near your home and eliminating other cellulose-based materials, you can make your home less desirable.
Additionally, it’s important to keep wood away from the ground as much as possible and remove any dead trees, stumps, or roots from your property. Finally, you can use a non-organic material as a barrier between the wood and the soil.
Reducing Moisture
This can be done by repairing leaks or water damage, fixing faulty plumbing and fixtures, and ensuring your air conditioner isn’t leaking. Addressing these issues quickly will help stop the spread of termites and help you get rid of them faster.
Monitoring
It is important to monitor your home for termites, especially if you have wood shingles or used lumber.
There are a few key things you will need to conduct a DIY termite inspection on your property. These include a flashlight and a screwdriver or other comparable tools. It is important to check the inside and outside perimeter of the home for signs of termite activity.
What are the various types of termite barriers and repellents?
There are various termite treatment methods that you can use to stop an infestation before it starts. To stop termites from entering, you can place barriers, repellents, or other treatments on your property. Some of the most common barrier and repellent treatments include:
Physical Barriers
These barriers are physical objects that block termites from getting into your home.
Chemical Barriers
These barriers use chemicals to stop termites from crossing them. The chemicals used in these barriers vary depending on the barrier being used.
Repellents
Termite repellents are substances that keep termites away from an area. They can be applied to the ground, buildings, or even trees.
Preventive measures for already built homes generally come in the form of barriers and repellents.
Barriers can be physical, such as a chemical-treated trench around the home’s foundation, or more esoteric, such as an ultrasound device. Repellents work to keep the termites from attacking the structure in the first place.
Conclusion
Termite control is an important part of protecting your home from these pests. The best treatment for your situation will depend on a variety of factors. By understanding the different methods and choosing the right one for you, you can help protect your home from these destructive pests.
In conclusion, the wood treatment is a broad-spectrum method that will kill all types of termites, beetles, ants, and fungi.