Termites can cause devastating damage to house structures, which can also be exceptionally expensive to repair. Property owners spend millions each year protecting and repairing their homes after problems with termites. This type of pest is one of the most common insects to infest homes and buildings so it is vital for homeowners to have a good understanding of termite treatmentand how pest infestations of this kind can be controlled.
Termites feed primarily on wood, however, they can also cause extensive damage to wall insulation, paper, books and even some filtration systems for swimming pools. In addition to wood within the home, termites take to garden areas too often destroying plant life and trees. Because of the expense of repairing termite infested homes, it is essential that you check your house periodically for signs of these unwelcome guests to avoid becoming a victim of termite infestation.
Let’s take a closer look at identifying a termite infestation and how to treat a home that has become infested.
How To Identify A Termite Infestation
In order to properly deal with a termite infestation in the most effective way possible for the specific circumstances, you should be on the lookout for certain tell-tale signs of a termite infestation. These signs include the discovery of winged termites within your home, mud tubes around foundation walls and supports, the sound of clicking from walls and finding a creature that looks like a white ant, as people often confuse termites with ants.
Another way to find out if your home has been infested by termites is to physically check the wood. If you tap on wooden areas and hear a hollow or papery sound, or the wood is easily broken, you should contact a specialist in pest control to be sure.
If you’re in an area that’s prone to termites, you should be extra careful because often infestations are not actually discovered until late in the invasion process. Termites are crafty creatures and aim not to make their presence known so if you think your home might be infested, it is advisable to seek the help of an expert.
How Can I Get Rid Of Termites?
When it comes to the elimination of termites, firstly, it is important to know what kind of termite you are dealing with. There are approximately 360 termite species in Australia, of which the majority do not cause major financial damage to homes, however, knowing which species is attacking your home means you’ll be able to find the most effective and durable treatment.
There are three ecological types of termite that burrow and feed on diverse kinds of wood: subterranean, dry wood and damp wood. This means that varying species seek out different areas of a home to infest. These categories of termite can help to determine which kind of termite has made your home their dinner. Once you know which type of termite has targeted your home, you can check out the appropriate options for termite infestation treatments.
What Is The Best Termite Treatment?
There are several types of termite treatment available on the market today including chemical and non-chemical processes.
More of a preventative measure than a cure for a termite infestation, during construction, physical barriers can be incorporated into wooden structures which include steel mesh and sand. Another barrier treatment is the soil-applied termiticide, which must be correctly administered in order to avoid problems with contamination.
Recently, professionals have been using more termite bait treatments for infestations as opposed to chemical insecticides due to the effects that the latter can have on our environment.
Termite Control
If you choose to use a home pesticide product, read the label and instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. These products often contain chemicals which should not be handled lightly. The best option to rid your home of termites is to call a professional pest control company to inspect and advise on the most efficient and effective course of action.
