How to Get Rid of Termites

Termites are a type of pestilences which move form one parent to another, in the process demolishing whatever comes in their way. They thrive, nest and breed in low moisture areas. The worst part is, that they do not restrict their habitat to a single location, instead they keep on looking for newer places all the time, and in the process destroy all wood which comes in their way. Be it wooden furniture, doors, windows, flooring or even roof tops, nothing escapes the wrath of these tiny pests. Sadly, at times, you may recognize their presence in your home after almost 5 to 6 years of their existence!

Ways to Eradicate Termites

It is essential to thoroughly examine your house to spot termites or evidence proving their existence. Dry wood termites usually emerge from dark, hidden areas of your home in summers. You should also check places like below the doors, wooden furniture, corners of walls. The bugs make wood lifeless, so it is not a bad idea to tap a screw driver on any wooden furniture to measure its strength. Another common sign of termites in the house is, tiny black or reddish brown droppings. Carefully look all over the house using a flashlight or torch to spot them. There are certain types of termites which live anywhere near damp places or in soil, which try to make passages from these places to any wood at home.

In case you notice any termite damage signs, you should immediately call for professional help to discuss various ways to get rid of them. They may suggest spraying a liquid termite treatment solution or pesticides. They may also suggest applying termite resistant solution on wooden furniture or the placing of termite baits in your home, to eliminate them gradually.

How to Prevent Termites Naturally

When it comes to termites, prevention is always better than cure. Though they can be eliminated by using strong chemicals a good home remedy is a solution of boric acid powder, applying this on the infected area will help eradicate them. Given below are some pest control measures to prevent termites :

• Do not let water collect and stay stagnant around your house for a long time. If water does accumulate frequently, make sure you take it out.
• A common dwelling place for termites is moist soil, present around your house. Get rid of this completely to avoid any termite invasion in your home.
• Try to keep the drainage system of your house well maintained and build it in such a way that it slopes away from any wooden furniture in the house.
• Maintain a cross ventilation system, especially between your foundation walls, as it will be helpful in keeping these walls dry most of the time
• If there is any wooden furniture which is being exposed to moisture, cover it up with weather sealer which will prevent it from getting damp.
• Prepare barriers under patios, steps or fence posts, which will act as obstructions and prevent termites from forming any tunnels through these places.
• Any scraps of wood or saw dust should be kept away from wooden structures at home.
• If you have a garden in your compound, cut back any plants which are growing very close to your house so that no soil or moisture settles on the wall. Also when you water the plants, don't get the walls of your house wet.
• Wherever you can, use termite-resistant materials for building purposes. There some types of wood like cedar, jumper and redwood which you can use, as they do not support termite growth.

It is better that you call for professional help as soon as you notice any signs of termites at home, since these people know exactly what to do. Know what products these people will use to disinfect your home with termites, as certain products tend to leave toxic residues at places which can be harmful. Follow preventive measures and try to spot termites at home as early as possible, to protect your home from the damage they can cause.