Did you know that termites are used as a snack food in some cultures? People around the world enjoy eating termites as an affordable protein source. Termite queens, in particular, are considered especially tasty. Termites may be toasted or fried and then tossed into a stew or eaten as a nutritious snack.

If a termite hors d’oeuvre does not appeal to you, have no fear — there are other ways to get rid of termites. In this chapter, we’ll show you what it takes to kill termites and answer some common questions.

Can You Get Rid of Termites Yourself?

It’s recommended that homeowners do not take a DIY approach to control termites with chemicals, even though there are products available for residential use. Many products tell you to spray the surface of infested wood, which only kills the termites you can see and does not protect the interior or prevent future infestations.

If you find a termite in one area, you could still have infested parts of your home that you’re not aware of. That’s why it’s critical to contact a professional instead of trying to kill termites yourself. Homeowners should instead focus on preventing a termite infestation from happening in the first place.

How to Prevent a Termite Infestation

Prevention is critical in keeping your home protected from termite damage.

There are many ways to prevent an infestation, no matter where you live. Here are some tips:

• Reduce moisture: As we discussed, subterranean termites need moisture to survive. Reduce moisture in and around your home, and you’ll be less likely to attract termites. This may mean repairing leaks and making sure gutters and downspouts aren’t clogged or cracked. Also, aim to reduce humidity in crawl spaces. Vents and vapor barriers can help lower crawl space humidity levels.
• Keep wood away from your home: If you store wood on the ground near your home, you provide easy access for termites. For this reason, never store firewood against your home, and instead, keep it at least 20 feet away. Avoid storing other wood or paper products near your house as well, such as newspaper or cardboard boxes. Lastly, wood siding, doors and window frames should also be at least 6 inches above the ground.
• Remove dying trees from your property: Remove stumps and dead trees from your property if they are located close to your house. Keep tree branches trimmed and away from your home, too, and avoid growing vines or ivy on the exterior walls.
• Use mulch sparingly: Termites love mulch for its moisture-retaining and insulating properties, even though it’s not a preferred food source and has little nutritional value. This doesn’t only apply to wood mulch. Pea gravel or crushed stone can also attract termites. If you do use mulch, try not to lay down more than a couple of inches, and never let it touch wooden components of the house. If you’ve had termite problems in the past, you may want to avoid using mulch near the home altogether.
• Seal openings: Close up any openings that can let termites inside. This may include sealing cracks in the foundation or holes where utilities pass through.
• Inspect: Inspect your home periodically to make sure termites do not establish colonies. The sooner you address a termite problem, the less time they’ll have to cause damage.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Termites?

Unfortunately, there is no magic way to make termites quickly disappear, especially if the infestation is severe. Since termite infestations can occur out of view, it can be challenging to find where and how termites are getting inside. Therefore, treating termites is a complex process that requires working with a professional pest control team.

If you live in central New York or close by, you can relax because the pros at Pestech Pest Solutions have the knowledge, experience and skills to solve your pest problem for you, no matter how big or small.

How to Treat Termites

The first step to treating a termite infestation is to contact a reputable pest control service. It’s critical to choose a pest control company that has experience handling termite infestations to protect your home from further damage. You’ll want to ask a pest management company questions such as:

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have references?
• Are your technicians licensed and certified?

Once you find a pest management company you feel comfortable working with and who’s right for the job, you can expect them to use the following forms of treatment to manage a termite infestation:

• Liquid soil-applied termiticides
• Termite baits
• Wood treatments

Termites can return after treatment, so it’s essential to choose a pest management company with a strong reputation and experienced employees who will work with you until the problem is solved — and who will take measures to prevent future infestations. Don’t wait until more damage has been done — contact Pestech Pest Solutions today.

Contact Pestech Pest Solutions for Termite Control

Your home is your refuge and where you should feel safe and comfortable at all times. You shouldn’t be afraid your house will crumble because termites are having a feast in your walls. Nor should you fear the cost of repairing the damage left behind. You can gain control of a termite infestation before these pests take it too far. And, you don’t have to deal with it alone. The best way to tackle a termite invasion is to reach out to professionals. At Pestech Pest Solutions, we’re prepared to take care of the termite problem for you.

As a pest management company with over 30 years of experience, we know how to determine and apply the best termite treatment for your situation. We’ll start with a thorough termite inspection to locate the source of the problem. Then, we’ll take the most effective and environmentally-sensitive approach to control the issue and keep termites from entering your home. We’ll work with you until the problem’s solved, so you and your family can feel safe at home once again. If you’re ready to take back your haven and give termites the boot, reach out to Pestech Pest Solutions today to schedule an inspection or contact us to learn more about our services.