Termites can use maximum trouble to both small households and big offices. Regular maintenance is required for termite control. The prominent problem with termites is that they mostly go undetected until they have already done considerable damage. Even a small crack in your furniture is enough for termites to enter and create havoc. Various types of termites that can cause considerable damage to wooden structures are subterranean termite, Dry wood termite, and the Formosan termite.
Signs of Termite activity:
The best that can be done as an initial step is to identify the signs of termite control or hidden termite activity. Firstly, observe if there are any blisters of abnormally dark area on wood flooring, these can be an signs and indications of the presence of termites. Secondly, check if any of your doors or windows emanate hollow sound. This hollowed wood is an indication of the presence of Termites. Thirdly observe if there is presence of dead termites on the floor below the wooden furniture. Fourthly, mud tubes on your wall are a sure indication of termite activity. Mud tubes connect termites to their sources of food. Lastly, check for termite excreta or droppings, which are brown pellet-like. If you find any of these activities, then this means that you have a termite infestation problem that you need to deal with.
Know how they intrude into your house:
Dry wood Termites manifest in terrace or rooftops whereas other kinds of termites attack your home from the bottom i.e., they manifest from the soil. The worst part about termites is that they reproduce quickly; a typical termite colony has around a million termites. They have a tremendous appetite.
Getting Rid of Termites:
Some chemicals can easily kill termites, but you have to abide by the rules of the laws of your country to check if you can use those chemicals in your locality. An uncontrolled termite infestation will require the services of professionals that have experience in termite control. Here are a few options which can help you in the control of termites:
- Termiticides (Liquid): These can be used even by non-professional service providers but with care. These are mainly used as a barrier for termites from attacking the structure or furniture. All you have to do is to place the termite solution in the areas that have active termite infestation.
- Baits: Baits for termites are actively used as a tool for termite control. You can place the bait outside the wooden structure, and the termites will feed on the bait and eventually die. Termite baits are extremely helpful when a solution of termiticides cannot be applied in the places that have water body. .
- Permethrin: This is a chemical that is used for killing termites and gives immediate results. It also lasts for a longer duration. Professionals mostly use this.
- Low Temperature: Termites will not survive for a long time when the temperature hovers around 20 degree Celsius or below. They cannot withstand such a low temperature and perish quickly. Generally, a liquid nitrogen mixture is used to bring down the temperature to such a level for killing termites.
- Arsenic: This is also a chemical that is used for removing termites.
- Sunlight: Sunlight is a natural way of killing termites. Ensure that your home has adequate sunlight during the daytime by keeping ventilators and windows open.
- Salt: Salt is another natural method to kill the termites. Make a saltwater solution and spray it into the termite-infested area. This is a very effective cost-saving solution to termite control.
Conclusion
The treatment method can vary depending on various factors including construction of the building. Termite infestation not only damages your house and furniture but also can adversely affect your health. It is better to get termite control as soon as you can. Treating termite can be done on your own, but significant termite infestation requires the services of experts in the domain.