It’s difficult to believe something so tiny can wreak so much destruction, but termites do exist. Don’t be alarmed if you’re struggling with an infestation. These pests are dangerous, but they aren’t invincible, and you can usually get rid of them manually. We’ll show you how to do it yourself, including finding termites and applying DIY methods to get rid of them. We also have some advice on how to avoid an infestation in the future.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of an infestation
Even if you don’t see visual signs of termite infestation, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned. They leave sagging flooring, holes in wood, and hollow areas of your foundation. You might even be able to see the termites themselves. Click on the link for more https://medium.com/@dunrite/get-rid-of-termites-and-pests-with-white-ant-treatment-2805afd839af.
Inspect crawlspaces and foundation beams in the basement with a screwdriver and flashlight. You should also knock on the wood to test for hollowness and push the screwdriver further into the wood to test for strength. If the wood breaks easily and crumbles, you may just have a termite infestation.
Keep a watch out for termite feces while completing this inspection
Termite droppings are feces pellets that are wood colored and darker brown in appearance. An infestation could be indicated by the presence of these feces near weakening wood.
A termite nest may also be discovered on your property; a subterranean termite colony will create a network of mud tunnels and tubes. A dry wood termite infestation would create a nest within the wood.
Determine which termite species you have
Dry wood and subterranean termites are the two forms of pests that can infest your property. The former can be found both in the soil and the wood of your house, while the latter can only be found in wood.
In addition to the foundational timber, subterranean termites can be discovered in compost piles around your home. Subterranean termites cause far more damage to a property than dry wood ones, and treatment procedures may differ. Read more on this page.
It is important to know how to deal with pests like these. Therefore, here’s what you should do:
Make a cardboard box trap
Wet a couple of flat cardboard strips and lay them on top of one another in a place where pests are likely to appear. This is an excellent spot trap since termites feast on cellulose (cardboard). When the cardboard becomes termite-infested, remove it to a safe location and burn it. If required, repeat the process several times.
Consider using helpful nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented worms that act as natural parasites on garden pests such as termites. These nematodes look for hosts, like termite larvae, and burrow into them, killing them in 48 hours or less. They lay their eggs in the host’s carcass.
Beneficial nematodes can be purchased at your local farmer’s market supply store or online. Currently, there are around five different types available for purchase.
Nematodes should be employed as soon as possible after purchase in soil temperatures over 60 °F (16 °C). Refrigerate them if you don’t plan to use them right away. UV radiation will harm them, so plant them early in the morning or after sunset.
Allow sunshine to reach your wood
If the termite-infested object isn’t your home, but instead a piece of furniture or another removable item, expose it to sunshine. Termites like the dark and the sun’s heat and light will destroy them. Put your furnishings outside for as long as necessary on a bright day, ideally 2-3 days.
Call a professional
If you can’t figure out what to do or are unsuccessful, you should definitely hire professionals to exterminate them for good. You should check out termites Oklahoma City services, among others, to find out what you’re looking for.
The sooner you do it, the faster you’ll be able to enjoy your home without tiny pests causing further damage to it.
Try freezing them
If you live in a rainy place where you won’t be able to expose your belongings to sunlight, attempt freezing them to kill termites. Place your wooden furniture (or sections of your furniture) in a big freezer for 2-3 days. Though it can be difficult for large furniture pieces, if you can do so, the freezing method should ensure termite death.
