Termite Treatment: Do It Yourself

Termite infestation can prove to be dangerous for your house, as it can even destroy the whole construction, if not treated on time. Any delay in termite extermination may result in more damage. So, it is always better to go for termite treatment, as soon as you notice signs of infestation. You can choose a suitable termite treatment - do it yourself or with the help of professionals. If you have enough spare time, then you can opt for do it yourself termite extermination. This is also applicable for those, who cannot afford to pay professionals for this task. However, before starting with the termite treatment, you must conduct a study regarding the various types of termites, signs of termite infestations and the right method of termite treatment for the specific type of termite. Now, we shall take a look at the various aspects of termite treatment, do it yourself options.

Identify the Termite Type

Once, you notice termite infestation in your house, the first and foremost task is to identify the specific type of termite in your house. There are many types, like, drywood, subterranean, Formosan, etc. The most common types of termites that cause damage to man-made constructions are drywood and subterranean ones. However Formosan termites are also found in southern United States, but are more common in Asia. The identification of the termite type is important, as the termite treatment measures vary with the different types. Read more on termites in furniture.

Drywood termite infestation can be identified by their fecal pellets, which resemble sawdust. This is one of the initial signs of drywood termite infestation and these fecal pellets are often found on or near window sills or any wooden structure. These termites, commonly found in attics, can spread fast throughout the house and cause damage to the construction. If you notice any mud tubes or tunnels made by termites near the basement or the walls, you can make sure that the house is infested with subterranean termites, which require moisture for survival and so, are mostly found underground, or in damp locations or damp or wet wood in houses. As compared to subterranean termites, drywood ones are larger in size.

Choose the Termite Treatment

As you are interested in termite treatment, do it yourself methods, you must undertake a comparative study of the various termite treatment DIY methods, which are available in the market today. Choose the right one, which can terminate the specific type of termites, which has infested your house. The most common termite treatment methods include liquid treatments, fumigation, termite baits and borate termite treatment. Read more on termite treatment cost.

Liquid Pesticides: Even though, all types of liquid pesticides are not meant for do it yourself termite treatment, there are some brands, which you can use. This method is one of the oldest one, used for termite extermination and is often aimed at fast results. Liquid pesticides for termite control, otherwise known as 'termiticides' are of two types - repellent and non-repellent. While the former prevents entry of termites into your house, the latter kills the termites, which have infested the house. Termiticides are pumped into the ground around the house and in the cracks in the building. Most of the older products are not used anymore, as it can contaminate the water supplies or deposits, because it stays in the ground for years. But, this option is cheaper, as compared to other methods, provided you use environmentally safe products.

Termite Baits: One of the popular methods of termite extermination, termite baits do not cause chemical contamination. This newer method is not only more effective and safe, but is also expensive. Bait systems consists of several plastic stakes, which are inserted into the ground at various points near the house. Each stake contains growth inhibitors for termites, that result in their eventual death. It works slow and is not suitable for a house which needs immediate termite treatment. Moreover, very few brands of bait systems are available in the market, as termite treatment, do it yourself option.

Borate Treatment: This can be considered as an effective termite treatment, do it yourself method, but, as a preventive measure. In this method, sodium borate, mixed with water is applied on all wooden surfaces. The course of action of sodium borate is as follows. In fact, it is the protozoa in termites' digestive tract, which break down the wood into nutrients, which in turn is digested by the termites. When sodium borate is ingested by termites, these protozoa are killed and the termites starve to death, as they cannot digest wood. However, there are drawbacks in this method too. It is impractical to cover all the wooden surfaces, once the house is built. So, this method can be adopted by those people, who are constructing a house.

Fumigation: Unlike, other methods, fumigation, is mostly used to combat drywood termite, but it will be better done by a professional than as a DIY termite treatment. There are people, who go for fumigation as termite treatment, do it yourself method, but in such cases, professional help is needed to install gas lines, as the method involves use of concentrated gas (sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide).

Termite treatment, do it yourself methods are always helpful in saving money. But, you must carefully follow the instructions given by the manufacturer and also take the necessary safety measures to avoid any harm that can be caused while handling of chemicals, which are involved in do-it-yourself termite prevention.