How to Prevent and Control Termite at Home?

It is heard that ships of Christopher of Columbus’ were affected by the termites and they sank at his final expedition. Though we do not know about truthfulness of this statement but termites are quite deadly for woods, houses and similar structures. These are even considered as one of the most destructive pests in the world. The termites are only found at the south and north of the Equator at 40 degrees. You should protect the home from this pest invasion otherwise it coils be a costly affair. Here are few tips for termite treatment and control at your home.

Termite prevention

• Keep rainwater away from your house and make sure to repair the leaks to keep the surrounding of the house dry. The crawl space must be dry and should have good ventilation.

• Do not store scrap wood and firewood and discard or store them away from the house. The woods should be kept above the ground level and must be covered to keep them. You must remove all the leftover tree stumps and roots near the house.

• Do not forget to seal the structural cracks of the walls and the house foundation.

• Spray termiticides on the woods for preventing termite infestation. Borate treatment also works well and acts as a barrier between termite and wood.

Termite Species

There are almost 50 species of termites found in North America. In South America the number increases to 400. There are typically three types of termites – dampwood, drywood and subterranean.  

As the names suggest the subterranean termites belong from the Formosan variety and invade the homes from the ground using damp or damaged wood. They also make good use of mud tubes and make colony along the crawlspace and concrete foundation.

Protecting the House

Find the Infestation Signs

If there are hollow sounding wood upon tapping probably is infested. Distorted paint and mud tubes on the exterior walls are infestation signs. Also inspect the fences and decks for damage signs.

Home Inspection

Look for gaps through which termites can enter. You should give special attention to the window sills, seams, ventilators and eaves. Make sure all gaps and cracks are sealed well. It will reduce moisture and mulch from the house as termites found them attractive.

Termite Control Methods

Soil and Barrier Treatments

This is a tried and tested termite treatment method and quite reliable and well-understood. From this inexpensive barrier treatment method you will get quick results.

Termite Baiting Stations

Baiting being an effective and long-term termite control method is quite popular among exterminators. This method destroys an active termite colony. This is disruptive and less intrusive and does not need drilling with less risks on health and environment.

These are the two most common and popular methods used by exterminators in OKC. Our professionals at Mother Nature Pest and Lawn know well to fumigate a house and keep it free from termites and other pests.