Termite Backhoe

There is nothing more damaging to a home than an infestation of termites. Termite infestation can be worse than one's house being hit with a flood because one does not become aware that their house is full of termites until serious damage has been done. There are many different species of termites and they can all be pests. One type that is commonly found eating away at the wood foundations of American homes are subterranean termites. These insects build their homes underground and burrow to the surface to feed on timber. One of the early methods of insect control ever to be invented is using what is called a termite backhoe, specifically designed to deal with subterranean termites.  While less sophisticated than microwave termite control, the termite backhoe is a tried and true method.

Dealing with Subterranean Termites

There are more than hundreds of different kinds of termite species. They can be found all across the globe, and while they are similar in many ways they are also differences between them as well. Some termites live in trees, others in nests. Subterranean termites live in underground tunnels. They build these tunnels where ever there is loose soil. That is why many of these kinds of termites are found underneath homes, because of the loose soil found. Using the lax dirt as well as feces and saliva, termites burrow interconnecting tunnels where they live and fester. By living underground, termites are incredibly hard to spot and often aren't dealt with until severe damage has been done.

The termite backhoe is a specifically, designed to disrupt, destroy and dismantle the burrowed tunnels made by subterranean termites. This device has been used since the mid 1800s and whiles some changes have been made over the years it remains similar to the original. This mechanical device uses self-propelled spinning blades that when pushed swirl the loose dirt. The backhoe brings the dirt up and then pushes it back into the earth. By destroying the termites' home and base of operation one is cutting them away from their food source and the insects will be forced to move someplace else. Using a termite backhoe will also physically kill many termites in the process.

Taking Prevention Methods

The only downside to using a termite backhoe is that there is a possibility that termites can come back. This is a rare occurrence but still a possibility. The best way to prevent such an occurrence is to use preventative methods. Termites of all kinds invade people's homes for two reasons food and water. Termites feast on the wood in homes and drink from water pipes and similar plumbing that can be found in and around homes. So, making sure that one's house is free of leaks is a surefire way to keep termites out. Any kind of dripping faucet or leaky pipe should be fixed. Also, any place or part of the house that collects or pools water should be cleaned. This could include gutters, vents, plant covers, divots in the roof, down spouts or broken lawn sprinklers. The main aspect of termite infestation is obviously the insect's hunt for their favorite dish: wood. Check that the wood in the foundation of your home is not touching soil. The direct connect for termites, especially subterranean termites, is wood to soil. Disconnecting the two will go a long way in preventing termite infestation. Other effective prevention methods are keeping any kind of firewood or access wood in a clean environment outside of tight spaces. In the yard, make sure to clear rotting stumps or wood debris. On doors and windows, screens are a good way of keeping insects out. These are all kinds of prevention methods, though the termite backhoe is a tried and tested method that has been getting rid of termites for centuries.