Termite Control: How To Protect Your Home From These Darned Insects

There's a local joke in my area that an adult termite tells a young termite, "If you're a good termite, when you die you go to Atlanta!" The picture at left shows the "sentinels" that surround our house and they are checked four times a year to ensure that termites don't start chewing on my home. Today's guest author offers good advice about these destructive insects.

Termite treatment should be a high priority as soon as you notice any indications of a termite problem. Termites are small insects that can easily go unobserved, and most parts of the country have conditions that enable these pests to thrive.

Be diligent about checking any wood in and around your home on a regular basis. It is most beneficial to have a professional pest exterminator conduct a termite inspection annually. If you do encounter a termite problem, action needs to be taken as soon as possible.

Indications of a Termite Problem

Implement a careful termite inspection to determine your pest status. Take a look at the wood, and analyze it for the following indications of a potential termite problem:

Mud trails – These are termite passages that appear as tiny lines of mud and dirt. These are the passageways the termites take to get from the colony to the ‘feasting area.’
Grainy hills of sand – Do not be surprised if you find them at windowsills or near floor joists. These are the wood remnants that the termites are eating through.

If you notice any of these signs, it is best to have a professional termite inspection performed. An expert can help determine the central location of the termite colony, and provide multiple options to eradicate the pests.

Termite Treatment Strategy

There are a variety of ways you can get termite treatment, even in severely infested areas. Use a product that is specifically designed to kill existing termites. From a spray insecticide, to a topical application, or even termite bait, there are effective do-it-yourself methods.

Termite bait is often considered the most effective in the long run because it allows for the spread of the poison into central nexus of the colony. Place the bait directly in the path of the termites near the feeding areas in order to maximize the effectiveness.

Don't forget to use termite prevention products once you have fully eliminated pests. For example, repellents may be sprayed around the perimeter of the home, preventing pests from entering. However, this form of pest control only works if it is placed exactly at entry points.

Get a Professional Pest Exterminator

If you don't want to mess around with termites and the severe implications of an improper pest control campaign, get a professional who can meticulously clean your home. Trust a professional pest exterminator to use highly potent, usually chemical-based products to wholly annihilate the termites. They are also skilled at finding termites and their central colonies, so that treatment can be fast and effective.

Ensure your home undergoes a detailed termite inspection at least once a year as well. If you do in fact have a termite infestation and require comprehensive treatment, be sure the pest control company is credible and guarantees the termites are completely eliminated from your home once and for all.