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How to deal with termites

Termites can certainly be a nightmare to any property owner. There is not much that you can do to prevent termites, however, there are certain measures which can help you out in the elimination and extermination of termites when they show up.

Avoid creating a haven for termites

Sometimes, prior prevention is the best way to deal with any problem. The methods for dealing with termite infestation mainly focuses on elimination and extermination, however, there are certain measures which have been found to be very effective in preventing termites from developing. It is a well known fact termites are attracted to moisture and wood, so you can avoid termite infestation by simply eliminating the buildup of moisture. One way of doing so is adding vents to such areas. Make sure that the mulch beds, vegetation, and trees are kept away from the house. Keep the cracks in the foundation or slabs repaired and do not leave water sitting in the basement or yard.

Consider soil treatments

The in home treatments are perhaps the most effective way to deal with termites, and that is the reason why the soil treatments have become so popular these days. However, you may have to go through a lot of inconvenience if you decide to go with this method. This method basically focuses on treating the soil in order to get rid of the termites. Although soil treatments are sometimes not entirely effective, but still, they are quite convenient. A termiticide is added to the soil around the perimeter of the structure. We will recommend you to use fipronil (usually found in termiticides such as Termidor) or imidacloprid (founf in termiticides such as Premise). However, if you are not in the favor of using these chemicals, you can even use boiling water. First of all, boil the water on the stove for several minutes and then using a potholder, carry this boiling water outside. Carefully dump it on the termite infested area. Repeat the above steps a few more times and eventually all the insects will die.

Consider fumigation of termites

Fumigation is one of the oldest and most effective methods for keeping termites at bay. It is the best way to completely eradicate the dry wood termites. You will have to take the services of a termite professional in order to fumigate the entire building. Fumigation requires leaving the house or building for sometime depending upon the product used. First of all, the area to be fumigated is covered with tarps. Use any sulfuryl fluoride fumigant like Vikane for fumigating underneath the tarp and then allow the fumes to settle down for at least one hour. Remove the tarps covering the termite infested area and then wait for another 3-4 hours before returning to the house. One major drawback of fumigation is that these fumes are capable of killing only the termites that are living and are not very effective when it comes to the eggs or queens. Also, the effects cannot be guaranteed for an extended periods of time. In most of the cases, fumigation can kill termites for up to 90 days, which means that you may have to repeat the treatment.

Consider direct wood treatments

Wooden furniture are most vulnerable to termite infestation. Direct wood treatments are very effective in such cases. Products such as bait, liquid, fume, or foam can be applied directly on the termite infested wooden surface. Special equipment are also available for the same purpose. One such equipment is Electogun which is used for electrocuting the dry wood termites. However, the electrocution technique may not work in all situations, for instance, if the termite problem has gotten out of hand or if you are having a sub terrain termite problem, it is better to use other techniques.

Pour undiluted bleach or boric acid into the infested area

Bleaching powder and boric acid are also very effective in dealing with termite infestation. Undiluted bleach can be poured directly onto the area infested by the termites and around the perimeter of the house. Termites are eliminated as soon as they come in contact with the bleach. You can also discourage the termite infestation from moving towards the areas which you are barricading by the repeated application of undiluted bleach. The same procedure is followed with boric acid. Boric acid comes in different forms such as liquid, powder, granules, pellets, and dust. Simply pour the boric acid onto the area infested by the termites. You can provide your house an additional protection by adding boric acid to bait stations which are planted in the ground throughout your yard or around the perimeter of your house.

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