Although termites are an essential part of the ecosystem, outside of nature they can be quite destructive when they set their sights on our homes and businesses. If their progress remains unchecked, they can cause massive damages total thousands of dollars in repairs.
Taking these factors into consideration, we can see how vital it is that homeowners and business owners identify signs of termite infestation and learn about different methods on how to kill termites naturally.
WARNING: Not All Termite Infestations Can Be Eradicated Via DIY Termite Treatment
Identify Signs of Termite Infestation
There are two major groups of termites that may be causing the damage. These are known as subterranean termites and wood termites.
The signs of infestation will vary depending on which type of termite is present.
Subterranean termites reside underground and build their colonies on the soil. They leave behind telltale signs of mud tube formations on the external-walls of a building.
You may also notice swarms of winged-termites or discarded wings in the affected areas. Wood termites have the tendency to attack pieces of wood furniture.
You may notice sawdust on the floor along with cracked and damaged paint finishes. Small particles around the base of the damaged furniture are probably frass, the droppings of wood termites.
There are several methods one can attempt to rid an area of termite infestation. If you opt to tackle the problem yourself, there are several techniques that can be researched further to find out how to get rid of termites naturally.
1. Exposing the Area to Sunlight
For a fact, termites are extremely susceptible to sunlight and actually die off when they they’re exposed to it and its consequent heat.
It can help to clear out any covering vegetation around areas where a subterranean colony has taken up residence. An even more effective solution might be to dig up the targeted section and expose the termites directly to sunlight.
For termite infested furniture, it may help to air the pieces of furniture outside in the bright sunlight during the hottest part of the day. This can kill off any termites that may be hiding inside the furniture and out of sight.
2. Eliminating Moisture
For the most part, it is known that termites thrive and multiply in areas that are rich in water moisture. Keeping this in mind, you can ensure that the interior of the room or building is kept dry and that any moisture prone areas are repaired.
It will also be helpful to look around the perimeter of the building and ensure that there are no water pools or water leakages in contact with the foundation.
3. Using Heat and Cold Treatments
For drywood termite infestations, it is possible to find a solution using heat and cold treatments.
In order to prepare for a heat treatment, you must first remove certain items from the building. This is because, during a heat treatment, a forced, heated air flow is pushed into a sealed structure with temperatures of up to 140 degrees.
The treated area has to reach a temperature of 120 degrees for thirty five minutes in order to successfully kill the colony. When cold treatments are used, an extremely cold temperature of 15 degrees must be maintained for four days to be effective.
To control termite with chemicals, you might want to check the following active product used in controlling termites.
Terra Prefilled Liquid Ant Baits
First of all, Terra Prefilled Liquid Ant Baits are perfect for either indoor or outdoor use. They take two to three days before they begin to work efficiently, but this is because the ants check in, take the bait, and then spread it to their friends and family. Each pack contains six different bait stations. Further, all of the chemicals are contained inside these stations, so there are no messy poison spills or sticky, messy madness. Additionally, the stations also prevent the bait from drying out.
It is recommended that you use all six baits at a time and strategically place them in the ant's known trails so you can get the full effectiveness of the product. These baits are not a quick solution. It takes two to three days before the results are seen because you have to give the ants time to grab the bait and spread it around. It will eventually reach the queen and kill all of the ants. To gain complete control over the infestation, allow up to two weeks. The baits will remain effective for three months.
One of the main ingredients found in the Terra baits is borax. Borax has a low toxicity for people and animals. However, it is still recommended that you keep them out of your pet’s reach.
Affordability
Finally, one box contains six separate baits and the Amazon price for this box is under $5. You also have the option of bigger packs for even more significant results for just a few dollars more.
Raid Max Double Control Ant Baits
Second on the list is raid Max Double Control Ant Baits, which are individual child-resistant ant baits that should be placed against walls, along baseboards, under the sink and cabinets, and any other areas you have seen ant activity. Further, the active ingredient in these baits is abamectin. It is recommended that you use all of the baits at once. Take them out of the package and separate them before placing them in the desired locations.
Additionally, these baits will remain active for up to three months but will take a few days before you will see results. The double control formula attracts the ants to the bait and then they carry the bait to their colony and reduces the population before killing them off entirely.
Lastly, Like other ant baits, the toxicity levels are low which makes it safe to use around people and animals. But, as always, you should still try to avoid placing them where your children or pets can get to them.
Affordability
One box of Raid Max Double Control Ant Baits can be found on Amazon for under $10. Moreover, Each box contains eight baits, and you are recommended to use at least four at a time if not all of them.
Third, we've got Maxforce Bait Stations, which can be used indoors or outdoors. They provide quick control over your ant infestation and will start killing within the first six hours, with full control after four days. Additionally, the active ingredient is Fipronil and has a domino effect kill. The bag is resealable to keep the unused baits fresh and away from contamination. Plus, they have an easy peel and stick adhesive for quick and easy placement. It is recommended that you place them along the known ant trails. Finally, use one bait per 100 square foot space. You can easily relocate them if you don't see any activity. This product is useful for most kinds of household ants and should be replaced every three months.
Affordability
One bag contains twenty-four baits. On Amazon, one bag comes in under $30 which is reasonable, due to how many baits you are receiving per bag.
Amdro Bait Stations
Fourth, we've got the Amdro Bait Stations, which can be used indoors or outdoors and are easy to use without any drips, spills, or messes. Place them along the ant trails you have found. The bait attracts the ants who then take it back to their colonies and share it; the bait eventually reaches the queen, and once the queen is dead, the whole mound dies. However, it does not work immediately; you need to give it a few days for the bait to reach the queen. The active ingredient is borax and is not harmful to people or animals, but it is still suggested to keep the bait stations out of reach. These baits are also child resistant, prefilled, and ready to use.
Affordability
One box of Amdro Ant baits contains six baits for the low price of under $10. Moreover, you will want to use at least three at a time, placed in strategic locations.
Combat Source Baits
Last on the list is Combat Source Baits, which work through ingestion. The slow-working, but effective traps lure the ants to the bait, and then the bait is shared among the entire colony. These baits kill using a domino effect and will eventually reach and eliminate the queen. Full control can be seen after a few days of use. Further, it is recommended that you place these traps along the ant trails, but relocate them if you don't see any action. These baits remain active for up to three months before it is recommended that you replace them. Moreover, the poison is fully confined in a child-resistant bait, and there are no vapor or fumes, no mess, and no spills. You should also use more than one bait at a time.
Affordability
One box of Combat Ant Baits contains six separate baits for the Amazon price which is under $10
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