Termites are often known for their ability to cause destruction without you even knowing it because they might be hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any obvious signs of damage. It's really important for homeowners to know how to stop, spot, and deal with termite infestations. With some knowledge on the subject, a bit of professional assistance and some effort on your part, it’s easy to deal with these unwelcome visitors.
Since termites can multiply very quickly and are so difficult to spot, it’s all the more important to deal with them immediately. Today, we are going to take a look at some of the most effective strategies for termite control and how you can implement them. At Mark’s Pest Control, we'll help you explore some effective ways to handle termite threats to keep your property safe and sound.
Understanding Termites and Their Impact
Termites mainly eat cellulose, which is a component of wood, but they can also munch on other materials like paper, insulation, and even parts of filtration systems. In the Australia, the two main types of termites that damage homes are subterranean and drywood termites. Subterranean termites live underground and are the most common cause of termite damage in homes. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live in the wood they eat and can be found in places like attics and furniture.
Prevention Strategies
Now that we have understood how termites can affect your property and also a little bit about their species, let us move on to take a look at some prevention strategies for termites:
Design Considerations
The best time to stop termites is during the early stages of building design. Architects and builders can use metal or concrete for the foundation to keep termites out since these pests can't easily chew through these materials. Also, they should make sure that any wooden parts of the building don’t touch the ground and that there’s a gap of at least 18 inches between the soil and any wood, which really helps in keeping those underground termites away.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting the proper materials can keep termites at bay. Woods like cedar and redwood don't appeal much to termites, making them excellent choices. Where you must use wood, opt for types that have been treated with chemicals that termites dislike. Another good idea is to surround the building with a special soil treatment that acts like a shield, killing or repelling any termites that try to get close.
Keeping Up with Maintenance
Staying on top of maintenance is key to preventing termite problems. This means regularly checking your home for signs of termites, such as mud tubes on outside walls, wood that sounds empty when tapped, and any discoloration or blistering in wooden structures.
Make sure there’s no extra moisture around your house by fixing leaks and making sure water is directed away from your home's foundation with well-maintained gutters and drains. Also, keep your property clear of old wood and debris that might attract termites.
Spotting Termites Early
Catching termites early can save you a lot of trouble and money. Here’s what to look for:
- Visual Signs: Keep an eye out for mud tubes on walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces—these are major red flags for termites. Also, look for discarded wings near doors or windows, which could mean termites are trying to start a new colony. Don’t forget to check for small, ridged, wood-coloured droppings from drywood termites.
- Checking for Damage: Regular checks can show if termites are damaging your property. Wood that seems crushed at the joints or hollowed out inside could be a sign of termites. Tapping on wood that sounds hollow might indicate that termites are eating it from the inside.
Getting Professional Help
It’s smart to have a professional pest control service check your home for termites once a year. Pest control experts know how to spot the small signs of termites and might use special tools like moisture metres, infrared cameras, or even trained dogs to find termites that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
At Mark’s Pest Control, we are always here to provide you with the needed assistance for effective termite removal from your home. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and have a talk with our experts at any hour of the day!
Speaking To an Expert
In order to gain insights about the subject and to help you understand effective strategies for termite removal, we spoke to one of our top pest control experts. Jim has not only been our best technician, he is also an expert in termites and understands them better than anyone.
Here’s what he said: “Well, the key to termite control really starts with prevention. For homeowners, it’s crucial to keep the foundation area clear of wood debris and maintain good ventilation to avoid moisture buildup—termites thrive on that! Using treated wood for any structures close to the ground can also deter them significantly.”
We asked him: What if termites are already present?
He said: “If termites have made themselves at home, you’ll need a robust approach. Bait stations are great because they attract termites and then poison the colony at its source. For severe infestations, a professional might recommend a soil treatment around the home, which creates a chemical barrier that’s incredibly effective at keeping termites out long term.”
Jim’s insights have helped us understand termite behaviours as well as removal strategies much better. We hope they helped you too. However, if you ever need assistance getting rid of termites, give us a call and we’ll be on our way with the best team!