Your Ultimate Termite Control Guide: Here's a Lowdown on Termite Infestations and Treatments
No homeowner wants to deal with a termite feeding and damage, but it is a problem that can occur in any home. Here's what every homeowner should know to protect their home from costly termite infestations.
Should You Wait to See Signs of Termites Before Taking Action?
Left untreated, termites can cause significant damage to your house. This is why you should seek out a termite control specialist at the first signs of termite infestation in your home.
The problem with termites is that their presence isn't always visible to with the naked eye. These wood-loving insects can eat away at your investment without you noticing because the exteriors of the wood material they damage usually remain intact.
The best course of action is to periodically schedule a termite inspection for your home. Termite inspections and treatment are best achieved by termite control specialists.
What Types of Treatments Are Available for Termite-Infested Homes?
There are several types of treatments for getting rid of termites, but liquid termiticide treatments and termite bait stations are the two main categories.
Treatment with liquid termiticides involves injecting chemicals directly into the soil around your house. The chemicals kill termites already in the building but also prevent future infestations.
Termite bait stations are essentially baits for termites. These below-ground or above-ground units contain wood/cellulose-based food combined with a slow-acting substance that kills termites. Scavenging termites feed on the bait and carry it back to their nesting places to share it with their mates. This leads to a gradual decline in termite population.
Is Professional Termite Treatment 100 Percent Effective?
Treating termite infestations involves getting rid of living creatures whose exact feeding and nesting places may not be known.
While the primary aim of any liquid treatment is to create a long-lasting, impenetrable chemical barrier, it is not uncommon for even the best treatments to fail sometimes. This often happens when termites find their way into your house through untreated areas of the soil.
As for termite bait stations, it may take several weeks or even months before termites can locate the belowground installations.
Your best bet is to seek out a reputable termite treatment service that has a team of knowledgeable and experienced personnel. But even the most experienced technicians can sometimes fail to catch signs of termites that are hidden below-ground. Look for a company that provides a warranty on their services so they can return and retreat any affected areas at no extra cost.