How Do You Get Rid of Termites in the House?
You can get several DIY termite treatment products that might help get rid of these destructive pests. Termite bait stations attract the pests with poison-laced wood or other cellulose materials inside. The termites can take the poison back to the colony to kill more insects. Liquid barriers contain poison that you apply to a trench around the perimeter of your home. Since the barriers don't repel the termites, they bring the poison to the colony. You can also get spot treatment products to kill termites.
At What Point Should You Call an Exterminator?
While there are DIY termite treatments available, it's often best to call an exterminator if you suspect you have a termite problem. Termite extermination companies have commercial-grade chemicals and treatment options that can be more effective in treating the problem. DIY treatments often aren't effective and could allow the termites to cause more damage. Call an exterminator quickly to avoid additional structural damage.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Termites?
Termites start to die within a few days of applying the termite treatment. However, it can take a while to get rid of all termites in your home — sometimes up to weeks or months. Termite treatments often last much longer, though. Some treatments last a year or longer. You might need ongoing visits from the exterminator to clear up the termite problem completely.
How Do You Prevent Termites From Coming Back?
Getting rid of termites can be difficult, so it's important to prevent them from returning. Here are some ways to prevent a termite infestation:
- Move wood piles far away from your home to avoid attracting termites.
- Clear vegetation near your home.
- Remove mulch near your home as it can serve as a food source for termites.
- Improve drainage outside your home; moisture attracts termites.
- Reduce moisture inside your home with methods such as improving ventilation, fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers.
- Inspect used furniture carefully to ensure it's not contaminated with termites.
- Keep your roof in good condition since termites can attack your home from there.
It's also a good idea to inspect all wooden structures around your home regularly. Spotting early signs of termites can help you deal with the issue if you have a recurrence of termites.
