The smart Trick of Termite Control Using Borax That Nobody is Discussing
There are three main types of termites: drywood, dampwood and subterranean. Every type of termite colony includes employees (who eat your house), soldiers (who defend other people from predators such as ants) and swarmers (flyers who find new areas to colonize). Although you dont generally see termites unless theyre swarming (flying), its great to know how to identify them,'' Wilson says.
Drywood termites commonly possess a brown body with a reddish head. Swarmers have sheer, tan wings but there are color variations. Employees are pale, tan and look like maggots, with no wings.
Dampwood termites are similar to drywood termites, often with a tan or brown body and absolute wings. These workers also resemble maggots.
An Unbiased View of Termite Control Use
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's rich with moisture. They often attack wood that is making contact with the ground and are found in areas with high rainfall or humidity.
See This Report on Termite Control Using Neem Tree
Drywood and dampwood termites enter your house through small cracks, often around window frames throughout cracks in the caulk. Be sure to check around windows frequently and reapply caulk when it begins to show signs of age and cracking. Swarmers lose their wings and burrow into the wood. Cracks in paint are another simple access point for termites.
Be mindful of maintaining your outside paint. As an example, when you hammer Christmas lights then take the nails out, you leave behind little holes and create an open door for a termite colony. .
Subterranean termites often seep into cracks in the homes foundation. In regions like the San Francisco Bay Area, many homes have raised foundations, Wilson states. Termites build mud tubes up to the floor, often along posts. But even in the absence of posts, Wilson sayssand tubes can extend from the ground click to visit innovative pest control up through thin air to connect with the bottom of the home. .
Termite Control Using Neem Tree Can Be Fun For Anyone
So what can you do if you find a termite in your home If you see one drop wing or one termite flying , it doesnt mean you have an infestation. But if you find a group of wings or any of the other warning signs noted above, its best to get a professional inspection.
Termites are actually simple to kill, Wilson says, but you need a termiticide to do it. Unfortunately, superior pesticides are not readily available to the public. Most home shops promote termite spray, but these are watered down to meet public security specifications, so theyre not as successful.
In case you've got an infestation that is isolated to one part of your home, say the door trim, you can replace the trimming, Wilson says. But in case you've got a full-on termite infestation, you need a bigger scale treatment.
Examine This Report on Termite Control Using Borax
Subterranean termites have to get cut off from the house at the ground. Pacific Coast Termites makes a chemical barrier between any areas of grime 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 wood treatment product like XT2000 Orange Oil, which can be injected under pressure into the timber through ink-pen-sized holes. This product saturates the wood and will prevent future infestations. Treating a moderate infestation this manner takes approximately four to six hours.
Homes that are massively infested (you can see termites everywhere) can require fumigation. Either a massive tent is put over your home, or all the doors and windows are sealed, and the residence is gassed with pesticide that can kill all the termites. This procedure can take anywhere from six hours to one week, depending on the kind of infestation.
The 15-Second Trick For Termite Control Using Borax
Apply a good, quality coating of exterior paint on your property, since termites wont consume through visit the site paint. Ensure that all windows, doorframes and foundation gaps are caulked and sealed. Dont basic or nail up Christmas lights then yank them down. The tiny holes create termite homes. Instead, either leave the nails in the pockets year-round or fill out the holes when you remove the nails. .
Instantly resolve any plumbing leaks, standing water on your roof or other difficulties involving decaying wood. Provide appropriate ventilation under your raised home to maintain that area dry. Subterranean termites adore wetness.