How to get rid of termites with DIY termite control?
Termites are responsible for destroying countless homes every year and are on the rise year after year, so it’s important to know how to keep them out of your home or business. These pests aren’t easily seen out in the open, so it can be difficult to detect an infestation in its early stages, which means you need to be proactive in your efforts to keep termites at bay. In this article, we will give you all the relevant details regarding DIY termite control at home.
Let’s dive in!
A)How to inspect your home for termites?
There are various ways how to inspect your house for termites. These includes:
1. Use of soil-type probe
This is where you poke the ground with a stick or a branch in the area you suspect you might have termites, to see if there is any change in the resistance that the stick encounters when poked into the ground. Termites will build tubes as they tunnel through the ground and so by poking the ground, you can determine whether these tunnels exist. For example, if the stick can penetrate about 3 inches into the ground, then there is a high chance that you have termites. The soil-type probe will be very helpful in determining whether termites have taken up residence in your house. Moreover, this type of inspection is relatively easy to do especially since it only takes a few minutes to execute.
2. Inspect woodwork around windows, doors, and eaves:
Another way of checking for termites is to inspect woodwork around windows, doors, and eaves. You can use a flashlight during this process. A flashlight can help you identify piles of sawdust which could indicate that termites are living nearby. They might also cause bulges in window sills, carpets, cracks in walls, and other areas. For instance, you might find wood that has turned from brown to black over time because termites have been eating away at them and causing decay. It would also be a good idea to check electrical outlets and light fixtures for signs of damage caused by termites.
3 . Check stored boxes and items in closets:
When looking for evidence of termites, it is important to check all the items that are stored in closets such as boxes and clothes. Items made out of paper materials like cereal boxes should be closely inspected. If they are damaged in any way, then there is a high probability that termites have found their way inside. In the closet, you need to keep an eye out for piles of dust and frass, which are both telltale signs of termite activity. Frass is a yellowish substance left behind by the larvae. Piles of frass often lead to an infestation problem, but they are not always present.
4. Look for structural problems:
Walk around the perimeter of your house inspecting each surface carefully. Look for signs of damage, discoloration, or separation between boards or tiles. Pay close attention to places like window frames and door frames. Termites are known to eat away at the wooden structures of buildings and homes. To avoid being infested by termites, make sure to pay attention to details like damage and discolorations.
5. keep an eye on points of entry
Termites will find their way into your house through any opening that they can get a grip on. They love to enter homes through cracks, crevices, and holes in doors and walls. If you suspect that termites are trying to enter your home, look for a solution as soon as possible. Termites can cause serious harm to your property and ruin the quality of life for you and your family members. This is why it is best to stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to prevent termites from entering your home.
B) Description of the DIY termite control methods and products and how they should be applied.
There are various ways how to inspect your house for termites. These includes:
1. Dusting with Borate powder
This involves taking borate powder mixed with water (enough to create a paste) and applying it liberally around the perimeter of your home, just beyond where any trees or bushes grow. The idea is that this will kill the termites before they enter your home and cause damage. One important note about this method is that it does not work for subterranean termites, which would not come in contact with the chemical because they live underground. It should only be used as a last resort against dry wood termites or carpenter ants who are within two meters of your home. Boric acid is toxic to humans and pets, so make sure you do this away from anywhere where people may go. Remember to avoid getting any on plants, as it will likely kill them too. Wear gloves while doing this to avoid exposure.
2. Clear away wood debris around your home
This step is important for many reasons. The most obvious reason is that if there are already cracks in your foundation, you don’t want to invite termites inside and make them worse. The other major reason is that wood provides food for termites. Termites eat cellulose, so if there’s any sort of dampness or moisture present on the lumber then they’ll find it easier to get food and stay alive. Making sure there is no food available for them outside of your home will help decrease their population, making it less likely that they’ll move onto your property and build their colony. This is one of the home termite control remedies that require very little time and money, but the main downside is that it is not effective for subterranean termites. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on termites regardless of what kind of treatment you choose.
3. Dilute a solution of isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on tree trunks, shrubs, and ground cover around your home. This mixture won’t kill termites, but it does repel them. As a result, it will make them think that the area is unfavorable for them and they will head in another direction. It is not effective against termites living in the ground, so it is not a viable option for any type of subterranean termite. The best part is that it doesn’t cost anything and you can do it right in your backyard. This Termite control methods for home vary in effectiveness depending on the type of termite infestation you have.
4. Keep a bucket of diatomaceous earth around your home.
Diatomaceous earth is a powdery material made from fossilized remains of diatoms. It kills termites by acting as an abrasive on their exoskeletons, resulting in dehydration. For DIY pest control, all you need to do is sprinkle it on areas near your home such as underneath furniture or appliances, porches, decks, or patios. You can also put it in a bag and hang it on your walls, using a nail to poke holes in the bottom of the bag for ventilation. Be careful when handling this substance, as it is harmful to humans and animals alike. The dust is powdery and difficult to breathe in, so make sure you wear a mask and a long-sleeved shirt. When it is wet, the dust will clump together and become much more difficult to apply.
5. Apply a Termidor barrier to the exterior of your home.
This DIY termite control method is more expensive than some of the others, but it offers great protection against both subterranean and dry wood termites. It also lasts up to ten years, meaning that you only have to invest once! To use it, measure the perimeter of your house with chalk and remove vegetation that would be in contact with your house during construction. Next, mix the liquid in a five-gallon bucket and pour it into a garden hose. Attach the garden hose to your spigot and wait for the flow to go down to a trickle before turning off the water. Use a push broom to spread the solution evenly over the surface of your home. After it dries, you’re done! Your home is now protected for up to 10 years.
6. Create a termite bait station.
To make your termite bait station, gather a two-liter plastic soda bottle and fill it halfway with sugar water. Add two drops of dish soap to the sugar water and screw on the lid. Poke four holes in the lid and place it next to trees or structures that are vulnerable to termites. Termites will feed on the sweet liquid and carry the poison back to their colony where it will slowly eradicate the entire colony. The termite bait stations should be replenished every 2-3 months to keep the insects away. Prevention of termites infestation is a lot easier than having to deal with the aftermath.
C)Advantages of diy termite treatment.
The following are some of the advantages of doing your termite treatment:
1. Save money
One of the major advantages of doing your own termite treatment is that you will save a lot of money. Not only can you buy supplies for less, but you also don’t have to pay someone else to do the work for you. You can make your treatments as often as you want and avoid overpaying a professional. There’s no need to worry about other people not showing up or rushing through the job because they’re already booked with another customer. If something goes wrong during your DIY treatment, then you can take care of it on your own time. Plus, if you use the proper tools and follow instructions correctly, there shouldn’t be any issues with getting rid of your termite infestation by yourself.
2. Learn more about termites
If you’re interested in learning more about termites, then a DIY approach could be very beneficial. A pest control company may not be able to answer all your questions or provide all the information you’re looking for.On the other hand, when you conduct your research, you’ll gain a much better understanding of how these insects behave and why they thrive so well in certain areas. Knowledge is power when it comes to termites.
4. Save family members from chemicals
Another huge benefit of taking matters into your own hands is that you can protect family members who might not be strong enough to handle toxic chemicals. Children, pregnant women, and elderly relatives should never be around pesticides or insecticides. So if you want to get rid of your termites without risking anyone’s health or safety, a DIY treatment is the way to go.
D) disadvantage of diy termite treatment.
The following are some of the disadvantages of do-it-yourself termite treatment:
1. It is hard to know if all the termites have been exterminated.
It is very difficult to know if all the termites were killed and they will continue to eat through the wood in your house, even when you don’t see them. you might not be able to get rid of all the termites because they might still be inside the walls or under a concrete slab. Some people don’t think that just one treatment is enough and that more treatments need to be done. And the process can take a long time depending on how big your house is and how many places there are for the termites to hide
2. Time consuming
Doing your termite treatment can be very time-consuming and tedious. It’s a very long process to get everything out and then put everything back together again. You have to do this every few years and you also have to make sure no new termites come into your house after the work has been done. Termites like warm weather so they may want to move into your house during the winter months, which means that you’ll have to do another round of pest control before any damage occurs.
3. Better chance of the termites not coming back
By hiring the right termite company to handle your termite infestation, due to their experience dealing with termites, you can be better assured that those would not be coming back once they are completely exterminated. If you were to take care of it yourself, then you would have to constantly monitor your house and yard for signs of termites.
Bottom line
The above information will give you an idea of what to do in case of a termite infestation. Remember that one thing that should be your primary concern is the safety of the members of your family and pets. Use caution when handling chemicals, especially if you have kids or pets. If you are going to use any type of chemical make sure you follow the instructions on the label carefully. As with anything, prevention is better than cure. See how to get rid of termites, by professional methods like fumigation, and ways to avoid termites infestation.
