Our teams here at Seitz Bros. Pest Control field questions about pest problems every day. We enjoy sharing our knowledge with home and business owners, so we’re always happy to help.
From time to time, we’re asked about DIY termite elimination. Fielding a termite infestation is a large task. Not only do you have to find the source of the problem, but you also need to figure out how to get rid of termites and prevent them from coming back.
The most important thing to remember is that termites are social insects. They live in colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands. Even if you get rid of the termites you can see, there are likely many more hidden away in the colony. And, those hidden termites will quickly repopulate.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know about getting rid of termites in your home.
Signs Of Termites
There are warning signs of a termite infestation. If you see any of these around your home, it’s time to take action:
- Mud tubes on the exterior of your home: These are used by termites to travel from their colony to a food source. The mud tubes are about the diameter of a pencil and are usually found on the foundation or lower part of your home.
- Termite Wings: Piles of translucent termite wings resulting from spring swarming
- Termite Droppings: Also called frass, these wood-colored droppings look like small pellets and are a telltale sign of an infestation
- Hollowed or Damaged Wood: If you tap on wood in your home and it sounds hollow, there could be termites eating away at the inside. Also, look for wood that has small holes, cracks, and honeycomb patterns.
- Peeling Paint: Paint peeling or flaking from drywall near damaged trim or baseboards could be a sign of termites.
- Mold smell: A moldy smell from behind walls in the absence of water damage is also a sign of termites. This is because as they eat through the wood, termites release a gas that has a moldy smell.
DIY Termite Treatments
Every home is different. A single approach to termite elimination doesn’t work for every property. However, you may see results with one of these DIY techniques.
- Termite Baits: Install termite bait stations on all four sides of the house. Locate them 2 to 3 feet away from the foundation, allowing 10 to 20 feet between each station.
- Termite Barriers: Create a chemical barrier between your home and termites with a spray application. Termite control products and equipment are available at most home improvement centers.
- Foam Sprays: Use these products in areas such as wall crevices or foundation cracks. The odorless spray expands and evaporates, leaving behind a residue that helps control termites.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Dust this organic substance around exteriors where you suspect termite activity. The powder dehydrates termites and penetrates their exoskeletons. Repeat the application after a rain.
The Downside Of Doing It Yourself
DIY termite control can save money, but it’s not always your best solution. There are other important considerations, including personal safety. Make sure you understand how to use different products and application equipment. If you have any health issues, suit up in protective gear before you get started.
Keep in mind that you may not be able to eliminate the entire infestation. A single colony can hold 60,000 to 1 million termites supporting a large underground network. If your efforts don’t get the results you want, you may be liable for termite damage that might otherwise be covered by homeowners insurance.
The Advantages Of Calling In The Pros
When faced with serious pest problems, most Pennsylvania homeowners call a professional termite service. In the long run, it can cost less than doing it yourself. The benefits of calling a professional pest control company include:
- You enjoy long-term solutions that help maintain important property value.
- You don’t have to figure out which products are right for your termite problem.
- Pest control technicians develop strategies specific to your home or business.
- They safely apply treatments that eliminate the entire termite colony.
- The work is backed by industry training and professional guarantees.
Let Us Solve Your Termite Problems
If you have second thoughts about DIY termite control, don’t take chances. Let Seitz Bros. Pest Control solve the problem with more than 45 years of professional experience.
We’re family-owned and operated with multiple service areas in Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. When you need safe, trustworthy pest control at your home or your business, we’re ready for your call. Contact us today for answers to all your questions and a free estimate.
