How to Get Rid Of Termites
Getting rid of termites is not as easy as reading a simple “How to get rid of termites” article or a book and applying what you have read to your house. Getting rid of these pests effectively requires professional knowledge and skills. Control or management of termites requires an understanding of their biological make up and behavior. It also requires a working knowledge in construction, the house structures and materials. Understanding of those factors is essential in determining the method that is most appropriate for the treatment. So it is always best to consult professional pest control companies to assess the house and determine the right course of action or control program.
For those who would like to have a general idea on how to get rid of termites, here are some tips or guidelines.
As they always say, an ounce of prevention is a pound of cure. So it is always best to apply preventive measures to your house so you wouldn’t have to face terrible termite problems in the future. As these pests need moisture to thrive, it pays to keep your home moisture free. Always check your home for leaking faucets, water pipes and a/c units and repair them immediately. It will also greatly help if you divert water from your house foundation. Keep your roofs, gutters and down-sprouts clean and free of standing water. In gardening, make sure you do away with excessive plant cover and clean away wood mulch.
As these the termites’ food source is cellulose or wood, you should always keep firewood, lumber, and paper away from foundation. Clean the surroundings of your home and remove stumps and debris away from the house. Check your decks and wooden fences from time to time for any sign of damage. Also, try to make sure that wooden parts of your home do not make contact with soil.
If you are keeping a workshop at home for general improvement of your house, make sure you tidy up and keep your tools and materials in order. Scraps of wood from your woodworking should be kept neatly stacked in a dry place to avoid attracting termites.
If you are just about to have your home constructed, it would greatly help if you take your house plan or design to a pest control professional and have him assess the plan if it conforms to their standard specifications that would prevent termite infestation. Here are some guidelines to consider in the construction of your house.
You can choose to apply physical barriers against termites to your house. One example of a physical barrier is a stainless-steel wire mesh to be fitted around pipes, posts and foundations of your home. Another is foundation sand barriers. Replace soil around the foundation with sand particles of size from 10 to 16 mesh. The loose sand will prevent the termites from creating tunnels going to your wooden structures.
For those whose houses are already built, you can opt for chemical treatment. Chemical treatment can be done through brushing, spraying or pressure treatment. The most effective among the three is the pressure treatment, because it allows deeper penetration of the chemical into the lumber at around