Introduction

Having pests in your home is always a nuisance, but some can cause more than just annoyance. Take termites, for example. These tiny insects can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation, wood structures, insulation, and even pool liners. To make matters worse, most home insurance policies don’t cover structural damage caused by termites. That’s why it’s crucial to quickly and effectively treat termite infestations to prevent further damage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to identify termite infestations, address the problem, and provide the best do-it-yourself (DIY) methods. We’ll also discuss when it’s time to call in a top pest control company.

Types of Termites

There are two primary types of termites that infest homes in the United States: drywood termites and subterranean termites. Each type nests in different areas around your property and requires specific treatment methods.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites feed on and nest inside wooden structures. They can have wings and range in color from deep yellow to light brown. These insects are larger than their subterranean counterparts, growing up to a half-inch long. Drywood termites are typically found in warmer, coastal areas such as California, Florida, and Hawaii. They live in small colonies of up to 2,500 members.

Common treatment methods for drywood termites include sprays, spot treatments, and essential oils. If you’re dealing with a large infestation or prefer professional pest control, consider hiring extermination companies like Terminix or Orkin.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites, as their name suggests, nest underground and tunnel into your home through mud tubes. There are several treatment options for subterranean termites, including termite insecticides, termite baits, termite barriers, and even parasites. Subterranean colonies are much larger than drywood termites, ranging from 100,000 to 1 million members.

Here are the best DIY methods to get rid of subterranean termites:

Identifying Termites

Termites can be easily mistaken for ants, but there are a few key differences between the two insects. Here are some telltale signs of a termite infestation:

Preventing Termite Infestations

After addressing your termite problems, it’s important to take preventive measures to avoid future infestations. Here are some common termite prevention tips:

Professional Pest Control vs. DIY Methods

If you’ve caught the problem in its early stages and want to save money, at-home treatment can be a viable option. However, keep in mind that termite damage can quickly become severe and irreversible. While DIY methods can be effective initially, large-scale infestations may require methods like fumigation and professional bait systems.

If you have a large termite colony or lack confidence in treating the insects yourself, it may be best to call a professional exterminator. This can save you both time and money in the long run. When choosing a pest control service, consider the following factors:

Best Pest Control Companies for Termite Treatment

If you’re concerned about the long-term effects of termites or prefer the convenience of professional help, we recommend calling a provider with decades of experience and an online chat feature, such as Terminix. Orkin is another excellent choice, offering a money-back guarantee. Hawx also provides solid customization options for homeowners seeking long-term pest control. All three providers offer specialized termite treatment plans.

DIY Methods to Get Rid of Termites

In some cases of smaller infestations, it’s possible to eliminate termites yourself. Here are some DIY methods you can try:

Note that not all of these methods are safe to use around animals or children, and larger infestations will likely require professional assistance.

Natural ways to kill termites include borax powder or sodium borate, neem oil, orange essential oil, and beneficial nematodes for outdoor termites.

What Attracts Termites

The main attraction for termites is wood and the cellulose it contains. Other factors that attract termites include:

Our Pest Control Research Process

Our pest control research process involves analyzing more than 1,000 customer reviews from third-party websites, such as Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also listen to over 100 customer service call recordings from large pest control brands. By combining this feedback, we’re able to compile a list of important factors commonly mentioned by customers.

After building a scoring tool based on these factors, we analyze each pest control company to determine how they stack up against each other. For example, companies offering more guarantees and coverage for pests receive higher scores. Through this process, we were able to identify the best pest control companies in the market, offering services in various states across the country.

Conclusion

Termites are a serious threat to your home, but with the right knowledge and treatment methods, you can effectively get rid of them. Whether you choose to tackle the problem yourself or hire a professional pest control service, early intervention is key. By taking preventive measures and promptly addressing termite infestations, you can protect your home from costly damage and avoid becoming part of the statistic of billions spent each year on termite damage.