Kill Termites

To kill termites and prevent reinfestation, compare quotes from several of the leading pest control companies in your area. It's not easy to kill the pests that can devour the wooden structural components of your home. Termite control professionals have access to powerful termiticides, or pesticides that kill termites, as well as the specialized equipment used to apply these chemicals in and around your home.

Reliable pest control companies have years of experience and training that allow them to identify the signs of infestation and kill termites. Common species of termites form subterranean colonies in the moist soil surrounding a house, then tunnel through exposed areas in the foundation to enter the home. Once they've established access to a house, termites begin to devour beams, rafters, walls and other structural elements that are made of wood. In an advanced infestation, termites may also damage furniture, books and any item made of wood or paper.

Signs of Infestation

Some species of termites, particularly the drywood species, are nearly invisible to the untrained eye. Drywood insects are very secretive and generally bury themselves deeply in wooden structures until swarming time. At swarming time, which occurs in the spring when the weather is warm and the air is moist, you may find telltale wings left by these insects in the areas of infestation. Other signs of infestation include tiny pellets of wood, droppings or mud tubes.

During swarming season, homeowners may observe winged insects hovering around lighted windows or doors. Swarming termites may resemble winged ants. If you see the insects swarming around the foundations of the house or around porches or patios, this is a strong sign that the house itself has been infested. Mud tubes, the tunnels that pests use to travel from their colonies to the house, may be observed along the foundations when an infestation has occurred.

To see whether termites have begun to damage the wood inside your home, check the baseboards or rafters for hollowed areas along the grain. You may also see dried bits of mud or tiny holes in the drywall. Because the damage caused by these pests can be long lasting and pervasive, even the smallest signs of infestation warrant a full scale professional inspection. Trained inspectors can detect the hidden signs that are often invisible to the average homeowner and then begin any termite pest treatment that may be necessary. Some companies will offer a free inspection, based on the premise that the homeowner will utilize their service to kill termites.

Choosing a Termite Control Company

Choosing the right pest control company involves more than cost considerations. Look for a local company with a strong history of eradicating colonies and preventing reinfestation. The provider that you choose should be licensed to kill termites by the state or federal authority that regulates pest control providers in your state and may belong to a state pest control association.

Before you select on a provider to kill the colonies in or around your home, request a number of quotes from the top companies in your area. You may even decide to schedule multiple inspections to verify the infestation. Ask about the methods used to kill insects and eliminate colonies. While most of the leading companies use liquid chemical treatments, bait treatments or a combination of both, some providers may utilize non toxic treatments to kill termites, such as sand or metal barriers

Ways to Kill Termites

Most of the leading companies use multiple methods to kill termites. These insects are difficult to detect, and it can be a challenge to kill their colonies permanently. Liquid treatments may be injected into the soil or around the foundations to kill subterranean species, or applied inside the house to eradicate the drywood insects that burrow into the wooden structures of your home. In combination with liquid termiticides, many companies install baits in and around the house.

Baits lure insects to a paper or cardboard trap that contains a substance that is lethal to these species. After ingesting the toxic substance and sharing it with the other insects in their nest, the pests gradually die. In combination with liquid treatment, which acts as a chemical barrier to keep these invaders out of your home, baits can be a highly effective method for eradicating colonies.

Ask each provider not only about how they kill these insects, but about how they prevent reinfestation. Reliable providers offer a warranty for their services, offering a free treatment if new colonies return. Most liquid termiticides prevent infestation for at least 5 years if they are applied correctly. However, it may be impossible to guarantee that any product or service will kill termites permanently. A trustworthy company will guarantee reliable services rather than making unrealistic promises. Use the free features on our site to contact local experts who can help you protect your house against these voracious pests.