Termites are difficult to treat with home-remedy methods. They are small and hidden, and their colonies are large and difficult to eradicate.
Keep dense vegetation away from your house and make sure gutters are free of clogs, as these trap moisture near the foundation. Regular inspections should include all wood sills, joists and porches as well as basement window frames. Contact Pest Control Vero Beach for more information.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a naturally occurring chemical that has several household uses. It comes in the form of a fine powder and resembles salt. It can be purchased at hardware stores and online. It is also used as a swimming pool chemical to help stabilize the pH level of water and prevent algae growth. It is sometimes used to treat ear infections in humans and dogs (otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear). Boric acid can also be found in some eye drops.
Many homeowners use at-home pest control solutions like boric acid to try to eliminate termite infestations. While some of these methods may work, they must be combined with professional treatments to eliminate a full colony.
Using boric acid powder to kill termites works by disrupting the digestive system of these pests. Once ingested, the substance inhibits a termite’s ability to process nutrients and causes dehydration and death. It can be mixed with water to create a spray or used in its dry form. It can be applied to areas where termites are most likely to live, including baseboards and wooden furniture. This treatment requires frequent reapplication because it becomes less effective after it gets wet.
If you decide to apply boric acid in your home, be sure to use it in areas that are out of the reach of children. This is because it can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs. Inhalation of this product can cause sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, nose bleeds and eye irritation.
In addition, boric acid powder can cause a chemical burn when it comes into contact with the skin. It is important to wear rubber gloves when handling this product. It is also important to carefully read the label and follow any safety precautions on the product.
Another popular at-home remedy for termite control is orange oil. While orange oil does kill some termites, it only produces a 77% success rate in one study. This is because it can be hard to get a clear view of the entire termite infestation and know where to spray the orange oil.
Liquid Termiticide Treatments
As their name suggests, termites are wood-eating pests that cause serious damage to homes and businesses. In Florida’s humid climate, these pests are more than just a nuisance—termite damage is expensive and not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. That’s why it’s so important to choose an established pest control company that offers comprehensive termite protection, including a liquid barrier treatment.
Liquid termiticide treatments are an effective and popular method of eradicating existing colonies. A licensed pest control professional will thoroughly inspect the property and determine the severity of the termite infestation before choosing the appropriate treatment. A professional will also ensure that the chosen liquid treatment is safely and effectively applied, ensuring complete coverage of the affected areas. They’ll also conduct regular follow-up inspections to ensure ongoing protection.
A liquid termiticide is injected into the soil and/or wood members of a structure, creating an invisible barrier that’s nearly impossible for the insects to breach. Professionals will use a tank and pump system that allows them to inject the termiticide with precision, while maintaining the integrity of a structure’s exterior. This method of treatment is the most effective way to stop termites from damaging your home or business.
Unlike spot treatment, where the termiticide only affects the individual termites that are found, liquid termiticide treatments prevent these pests from finding new feeding sites, resulting in the death of the entire colony. This method is also preferred by many customers because it is fast-acting, meaning that the termite population is eliminated in just a few weeks.
Although a liquid termiticide treatment is the best option for most, there are some cases where other options might be more suitable. For example, if your home has a water well in the vicinity of the house, you may not be able to use a liquid treatment because of the risk of contamination.
In these cases, a baiting system might be more suitable, as the termite bait will only affect the individual termites that are eating the bait. This is because the termite bait isn’t diluted by soil, so the effect is much stronger.
Termite Baits
A termite bait system can be an effective means of treating and controlling termites if used correctly. However, it should be considered primarily as a monitoring tool and not as a replacement for a full-scale termite treatment.
Termite bait systems are essentially cellulose-based traps designed to lure in foraging termites and poison them. They are positioned above ground and below ground at the locations of known mud tubes or active feeding sites on the structure. Unlike traditional soil termiticide treatments, which require drilling of foundations and other disturbances, bait stations offer the advantage of non-intrusive installation. Termites enter the traps by following pheromone trails and once inside, they begin to consume the poisoned bait. As the termites feed on the bait, it disrupts their ability to molt and they become sterile. As a result, they are eliminated from the colony and eventually die. This results in a gradual reduction in the size of the termite colony and eventual control of the pests.
While some individuals may attempt to use termite baits on their own, it is recommended that professional pest control services perform the inspection and maintenance of these devices. Termite baiting requires careful monitoring, replenishment of the baits and periodic supplemental termiticide treatments. These types of treatments are often more complicated than conventional soil termiticide applications and as such, should be left to the experts.
Many termite bait products are available to homeowners over the counter at garden centers and hardware stores. One of the more popular is Terminate, which is sold for under $100 a box and comes with a guarantee. The guarantee states that the product will protect the property from termites if it is checked at the labeled rate. However, the University of Florida Pest Alert page notes that this product is identical to FMC’s Firstline products and therefore does not meet the Federal Trade Commission’s definition of a “true termite bait.”
For termite treatment, we strongly recommend consulting with an Orkin Pro near you to determine the best solution for your property. A professional will be able to provide you with a free termite inspection and create a plan including financing that works for you.
Natural Alternatives
Termites may be difficult to eradicate once they invade a home, but there are some natural alternatives that can slow their progress and buy homeowners more time to seek professional help. These alternatives can be used to treat existing colonies or prevent new ones from forming, and include products like borax, neem oil, and orange oil. These natural pest control methods are also usually less toxic to humans and pets than chemical barrier treatments.
For example, orange oil can be injected into areas of infested wood, or it can be sprinkled around the yard and in crawl spaces to kill both subterranean and drywood termites. It works by destroying their outer shell or exoskeleton, which dehydrates and shuts down their nervous system when ingested. Neem oil, which is derived from pressing seeds, has similar effects. This oil can be sprayed on infested areas or wooden furniture, and it kills the termites that come into direct contact with it by disrupting their reproductive system.
Another option is to use a soil treatment product that contains the active ingredient fipronil or imidacloprid. This type of treatment creates an invisible barrier that termites cannot detect or cross, and it is incredibly effective at killing all stages of the colony. The only drawback is that it takes up to 5-10 years for this type of treatment to begin fully working, and it must be reapplied periodically.
Other ways to reduce the chance of a termite infestation include repairing any leaks promptly, which can prevent moist and rotting wood from becoming a breeding ground for these pests. This is particularly important in crawl spaces and basements, where moisture levels are higher. Also, covering vents with a metal screening will help to prevent the entrance of termites and other insects into a house.
Finally, regular inspections can catch termite damage early. Look for signs of these wood-destroying pests, including swarmers (winged termites) and mud tunnels (about the size of a pencil) along foundation walls or floor joists. If you do find any of these signs, contact a licensed professional to do a full home inspection and propose a course of action.
