Did you know termites are the most destructive, most costly bug problem a homeowner could have? Termites can cost you thousands of dollars in property damage if you do not treat them early and eliminate them from your home. Get rid of termites in these five easy steps.
- Identify the termite. The most common termites in the United States are the drywood and subterranean termites. Drywood termites are found more heavily along the Pacific Coast in mountainous regions and favor extremely dry wood. Subterranean termites are perhaps the most destructive of the termite species and prefer moist, wet wood. Knowing which termite you have will help you determine which products and chemicals to use to exterminate them.
- Remove their habitats. If you have drywood termites, make sure to remove dead, rotting logs and wood from your property. You may need to replace wood on the exterior of your home that is rotting. If you are dealing with subterranean termites, make sure there are not moist, moldy logs on your property, and check to make sure your rain gutters and drainage system are clear and working properly. If your water system is clogged anywhere, you may be causing a water build-up and providing a moist environment for termites to thrive.
- Do it yourself or hire a professional. Decide if you will tackle the problem yourself or hire a professional. This decision may depend on the extent of the problem and how comfortable you feel doing it yourself. There are several guides and helps to do it yourself pest control and this option may save you a significant amount of money. Do your research and decide which option fits you best.
- Choose a termiticide. If you have chosen to get rid of termites yourself, the next step is to find a termiticide.Termiticides are EPA-approved chemicals used to exterminate termites. Four of the most popular termiticides are (1) alpha-cypermethin, (2) arsenic trioxide, (3) bifenthrin, and (4) chlorpyrifos. Each of these chemicals uses a little different application process and extermination method. You can find more information about each of these termiticites online. Read about each type and decide which chemical will be most effective for protecting your home from termites.
- Apply the termiticide. You can obtain a termiticide and applicator from several do it yourself pest control companies online, or at a local pest control store. Before you apply the chosen termiticide, you need to learn the appropriate application method. These chemicals are clearly marked with application instructions that must be carefully followed. If you would like additional assistance in applying these chemicals, you can find several how-to videos from professional pest control exterminators on YouTube. Be sure to follow directions to ensure that the chemicals will be most effective and help you to get rid of termites once and for all.
Learn how to do your own termite treatment at DoMyOwnPestControl.com.