How to Get Rid of Termites - 6 Solutions for Your Home

Homeowners everywhere fear termites. These destructive pests have the ability to ruin a home’s structure when their damage goes undetected. In the U.S. alone, they are responsible for billions of dollars of property destruction every year. But there are ways to take on termites and win. Read on to learn how to get rid of termites for good.

Do You Have a Termite Infestation?

First, know the signs of an infestation:

Termites – This might seem obvious, but you’ll need to correctly identify them. They can be brownish or black and range in size from 1/8” to 1” long. And although they are sometimes confused with carpenter ants, termites have straighter antennae. But remember, you don’t have to actually see termites to have an infestation.
Swarms – In the spring, adult termites form swarms as they leave the nest to find new homes, often leaving behind the wings they shed. Look for the shed wings around the floor boards or foundation of your home.
The damage left behind – Suspicious cracks, holes, buckled walls or floors, and bubbling paint may be signs. Termites also leave behind tube-like tunnels, smaller than the width of a finger, along the outer walls of a structure. Made up of mud, dirt, and fecal matter, the tunnels give the insects a safe path to and from the nest and food sources.

Terminating Termites in Your Home

Here are some ways to help purge your home of these pests:

Remove their food sources – Piles of wood, lumber, tree stumps, and even paper that are too close to your house can make a good place for termites to start a colony. Move your firewood away from the side of your home, making sure it is not touching exterior walls. Termites also like mulch, so use it sparingly near your home’s foundation.
Let the sun shine – Believe it or not, termites can’t tolerate sunlight. If you have a piece of furniture that’s infested, set it outside in the sun to kill off the colony. Sunlight may not be a solution for larger structures, but there are special UV lights than can be used in these situations.
Think outside the box – A wet cardboard box makes a great termite trap. Place it close to an infested area and wait for them to come and feed. Once you have a number of them feasting on the cardboard, take it away and destroy it. You may have to repeat this process.
Treat with heat – Microwave technology can be used to kill some types of termites. This treatment involves using special microwave units to increase the temperature of infested wood, eventually killing off the termites.
Nematodes – These worm-like parasites like to eat termites. You’ll find nematode-containing products at many hardware, garden, or home stores.
Insecticides and chemicals – Boric acid is a common ingredient in many insecticides. Add it to bait stations and place them close to the infested areas. There are a lot of other chemicals on the market that can kill termites, but they can be dangerous and ineffective if not used properly. Sometimes it’s best to call in a professional.

Get Rid of Termites Today

Termites are very destructive insects. A single colony alone can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. If you suspect you have an infestation, call Green Pest Solutions at 855-312-7157 to help you tackle your termite problem.