The simple answer is no. Of course, you can eliminate them from your home. However, it is virtually impossible to eliminate them from the earth, which means a new termite colony can always attack your home.
It’s a constant battle but one that you can win if you understand how they operate and what steps you need to take.
Identifying an Issue With Termites
Termites leave telltale signs in your home and even outside of your home. Being aware of these signs means you know when to wage war them.
- Discolored dry wall
- Paint that appears to have been water damaged
- Hollow wood
- Small holes in your wood
- Warped floorboards
- Squeaks appearing in your floorboards
These are all signs that termites are living in your home. It’s time to take action!
Bait Stations
Termites live in a colony and work together. There is a queen, worker termites, and those that get the food. This is why good termite bait stations are so effective.
You place the bait station on the floor near where you think the termites are active. They will enter the station and take the bait you’ve placed in there. The key thing at this stage is that the bait s something they will enjoy, you want them to take it.
The missing bait tells you they are there and it tells them that the bait station is a source of safe food. They’ll scent it accordingly.
You can then swap the food with poisoned food. The workers will take this and share it, potentially killing the colony in one go.
It is worth noting that anything more than a termite bait station is better handled by the experts, they can ensure the termites are completely eliminated.
Block The Entry Points
Termites may live under your house in your wood but they still need to go outside. If you walk around the exterior of your property you’ll notice mud tubes in the soil by your exterior walls. These are the termite entry and exit points. Close a coupe and they’ll reappear the next day.
But, if you concrete for at least six to twelve inches out from your walls, the termites will no longer be able to get in or out.
Avoid Clutter
Termites don’t just eat wood, they consume anything that is cellulose based. That’s why plies of compost and wood stacks attract them. The closer these are to your home the more likely it is the termite will go the extra distance.
Eliminate the clutter inside and outside of your home, it will help to keep them away.
The Professionals
While it’s a good idea to use termite bait traps. You should always get the professionals to inspect your hoe annually. They can tell you if there are any active pests and the best ways to keep them out. As the professionals will be local to you they are the best people to be talking to about local risks.