Termites can be a real menace to homeowners, especially if left untreated. Ignoring an infestation can lead to severe damage and expensive repairs. Luckily, there are various ways to control and treat termites, from professional services to DIY termite treatments and home remedies.

While DIY termite treatment methods might seem appealing, they lack the effectiveness and long-term protection offered by professional pest control services. These methods require specific expertise for safe application and may not completely eliminate the colony, leading to a resurgence of the problem.

Termites on wall

Assessing the extent of your termite problem

Early detection of termite infestations is crucial for safeguarding your property's structural integrity. As a homeowner, it's always a good idea to visually inspect your property for potential signs of termite activity. While a professional inspection by a licensed pest control specialist is still the best way to go, you can always conduct a preliminary check yourself to get an idea of the extent of a potential termite problem. Here are a few signs that you may have a termite infestation:

  • Mud tubes: Examine the foundation, crawl spaces, and your home’s interior for the presence of narrow, winding tunnels constructed from mud. These indicate subterranean termite activity, as they serve as protected pathways for the colony.

  • Hollow-sounding wood: Lightly tap on wooden beams, floors, walls, and door frames. A hollow-sounding response may indicate termite damage within the wood structure.

  • Discarded wings: Look for the presence of shed wings, particularly near windows or doors, which signifies a mature termite colony. Winged termites, also known as swarmers, shed their wings after establishing a new location.

  • Frass: Tiny piles of wood dust accumulating near walls, baseboards, or furniture should raise a red flag as they could be termite droppings, also known as frass.

Accurately identifying the type of termite present is crucial for implementing an effective treatment plan. Different species require different treatment approaches due to their unique habits and vulnerabilities. If you spot these signs, hiring a professional who knows how to identify and treat them is always best.

Termite mud tubes

Termite home treatments

While DIY termite treatments may seem appealing due to their lower upfront cost, it's crucial to understand their limitations. Here's a breakdown of commonly used DIY termite control methods:

  • Boric acid: This powder acts as a desiccant, drying out termites on direct contact. Boric acid is relatively inexpensive and available at most hardware stores. However, it has no repellent properties and offers no lasting defense against re-infestation.

  • Liquid termiticide treatments: These products require specific application techniques for effectiveness. Professional products also require licensing and training for safe handling, and DIY versions may not be strong enough to address the entire problem.

  • Diatomaceous Earth (DE): DE is made from natural ingredients and acts as a physical barrier, causing dehydration in insects with exoskeletons. However, its effectiveness diminishes when exposed to moisture and necessitates frequent reapplication.

    • While these DIY termite treatments could be effective for small infestations, it's important to remember that termite prevention and treatment are best left to the professionals. Terminix technicians can assess the severity of the infestation and provide the most effective treatment options to ensure that your property remains protected from termites.

    DIY termite heat treatments

    Heat treatments are a non-toxic DIY termite control method that involves raising the temperature in the infested area to a level that is lethal to termites. The process involves heating the entire infested area to a specific temperature and maintaining it for several hours to ensure complete eradication.

    Attempting to perform a heat treatment without the proper knowledge and equipment can be dangerous. Heat treatments require specialized equipment and expertise. Therefore, it is best to consult a licensed professional pest control specialist before attempting any heat treatments on your own.

    Focus on termite prevention

    Whether you're considering professional services or home remedies and DIY termite treatments, it's essential to prioritize prevention when it comes to termite infestations. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take on your own to help prevent termite problems.

  • Eliminate moisture

  • Reduce wood-to-ground contact

  • Get regular termite inspections

  • Professional pest control services

    • Hiring a pest control professional is always best when it comes to termite prevention and control. At Terminix, our technicians are trained to identify high-risk areas that are often overlooked by the untrained eye. If you’re in need of help dealing with termites, check out our professional termite prevention or control services!