For anyone unfortunate enough to experience a termite invasion, the problem is a major headache. The threat is real as termites thrive on wood and therefore the very structure of your home is at risk if you find it under attack from termites.
Very often the area under the house, known as shingles, is damp, so this is a perfect area for the completions to thrive and develop a nest. Although it is an unpleasant problem, the termite infestation should be treated as soon as possible. Read on to discover ways you can combat the problem and save your home from harm’s way.
Obviously, the best way to get rid of termites is to prevent them from causing any harm in the first place. If you live in the United States, termites or subterranean termites are the most common type and can build “mud tubes” from wood found in the ground that allows them to reach other sources of wood on the surface. This is where the shingles in your home are directly threatened and this is the area you should focus on to prevent them. Evidence of “mud tubes” on the surface is the first sign that you have a problem and then you should take one of the options available below.
Perhaps the easiest method of dealing with termites is to have a professional exterminator treat the infected areas for you. Although this will obviously cost you, they are sure to get the job done and eliminate the termites for good. They will usually use specially designed wood to attract termites. These wooden traps will contain chemicals that are ingested by the termites which then carry them to the nest, thus killing everyone. This process is known as “bait”.
If you want to solve the problem yourself, you can find many products on the market that can help you. These chemicals are effective and safe when used correctly. Use them to protect your home’s shingles by creating a barrier around the property, then whenever termites try to reach the wood in the shingles, they are instantly repelled.
In addition to the above, there are also very good pesticide sprays that you can use to treat the wood at the base of your home. Remember that when using these types of chemicals it is important to protect yourself and your home. It is recommended that you wear some type of protective clothing when spraying the infected area.
Once you are sure you have killed the termites and the nest, it is important to replace the existing shingles. Inspect the wood carefully and seek professional advice on how to replace damaged areas.
