Knowing the Amazing Ways to Kill Termites in Your Home
Termites are known to be destructive pests that can cause significant damage to your home or property. If left unchecked, they can quickly multiply and cause extensive damage to your building's foundation and other wooden structures. Fortunately, many types of termite treatments are available to help eradicate these pesky insects.
This article will discuss the most effective types of termite treatments and how they can help protect your property from termite infestations.
Chemical Barrier Treatment:
Chemical barrier treatment is one of the most popular types of termite treatments. It involves creating a barrier around your home or property using chemicals that termites cannot pass through. This treatment is effective because it eliminates termites that come into contact with the barrier, preventing them from entering your property.
To carry out this treatment, the soil around the perimeter of your property is treated with a chemical solution that creates a barrier. This barrier stays active for several years and protects against termites. If you have an existing termite infestation, chemical barrier treatment may not be enough to eliminate them. In such cases, additional treatments may be required.
Baiting Systems:
Another popular type of termite treatment is baiting systems. This method involves placing baits around your property to attract termites. Once the termites consume the bait, they return it to their colony, spreading it to other termites and killing them.
Baiting systems are effective because they target the entire termite colony, not just the termites that come into contact with the bait. They are also environmentally friendly and do not require the use of chemicals. However, baiting systems may take longer to eradicate a termite colony than chemical barrier treatment.
Fumigation:
Fumigation is another type of termite treatment in OKC that is effective in eliminating termites. This treatment involves enclosing your entire property in a tent-like structure and filling it with a lethal gas that kills termites. It is effective because it targets the whole property, eliminating all termites and other pests that may be present.
Fumigation is often used in cases where other treatments have failed or when the termite infestation is severe. However, it is a more invasive treatment and may require you to vacate your property for several days while the treatment is carried out.
Heat Treatment:
Heat treatment is a newer termite treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. This process involves using high temperatures to kill termites. It is effective because termites cannot survive in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
During heat treatment, your property is heated to temperatures between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. This effectively kills all termites and their eggs. Heat treatment is an environmentally friendly treatment and does not require the use of chemicals.
However, heat treatment may not be effective in all situations. For example, it may only be viable if your property has insulation or other materials that can withstand high temperatures.
The Infestation Signs to Look for:
Wood Damage: Termites feed on cellulose, a primary wood component. One of the most common signs of termite infestation is the presence of damaged wood. Look for wood that appears hollowed out or has a honeycomb-like appearance. You may also notice wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites often build mud tubes, small tunnels made of mud, saliva and feces. These tubes provide protection and moisture for the termites as they move from their underground colonies to their feeding sites. Look for these tubes along your home's foundation, in crawl spaces or around exposed wood.
Swarming Termites: When a termite colony matures, winged reproductive termites will leave the colony to mate and establish new colonies. This is known as swarming. It may indicate an infestation if you notice large numbers of flying termites around your home, especially in the spring or summer.
Discarded Wings: After termites swarm, they shed their wings, often found in piles around window sills, doors or other entry points to your home. This indicates that termites have recently swarmed and could attempt to establish a new colony in your home.
Blistered or Bubbling Paint: Termites produce moisture as they tunnel through wood, which can cause paint to bubble or blister on the surface of affected wood. This type of damage on walls, ceilings or other painted surfaces may be a sign of termite activity.
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, it is crucial to contact a professional pest control company for an inspection and treatment. Early detection and termite treatment can help prevent significant damage to your home. Call Mother Nature’s Pest & Lawn to say a final goodbye to these pesky insects.