Termites can destroy your home or other buildings, especially if the infestation is advanced. Termite damage can cost you thousands of dollars and lead to costly repairs, so it’s important to catch the problem early with a termite inspection and take action quickly with liquid or bait termiticide treatments, thermal heat treatment or fumigation. You may also be able to protect yourself from termites with natural options like beneficial nematodes or a wood barrier.
In addition to mud tubes, a sure sign of an active termite infestation is darkening or blistering of wood and hearing a hollow or thudding sound when tapping on the surface. The thumb test (pressing your thumb into the wood and if it gives, it’s infested) is another way to check for a termite infestation.
Swarms of flying termites are another common indicator Termite Control South Florida of a termite infestation. Look for them around tree stumps and piles of dead wood in your yard, as well as in infested wooden porches and patios.
A termite pest control professional can inspect your property for signs of a problem and recommend the most effective type of treatment for your situation. Liquid termiticide is one of the most popular methods for treating an existing termite infestation. This product is sprayed or injected beneath and around your home, and it creates a chemical barrier that repels or nonrepellent termites from passing through it. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully when using this method. Some brands of liquid termiticide include Termidor, Premise and Altriset (imidacloprid).
Termite foams, such as Navigator SC or Taurus SC, can be used to treat cracks, crevices and voids where traditional liquid pesticides cannot reach. These products are odorless, expand and then evaporate, leaving behind a chemical residue that kills the termites when they come in contact with it. Termite dusts are also available to treat areas that foam or liquid can’t reach.
Physical barriers are a popular and relatively inexpensive option to prevent future termite problems. They include copper or Stainless steel termite shields that can be installed in the soil and wrapped around pipe frontage, as well as Impasse – a polymer plastic sheeting with an insecticide locked between the layers.
The best termite treatments, however, are preventive measures that reduce the risk of an infestation in the first place. Wood-based products that are nonrepellent can be used to treat sheds, decks, fences and similar structures that might attract termites. Repellents can also be applied as a spray or drip coating and are useful to use in the garden to protect trees and shrubs from termite damage.
If you’re ready to schedule a termite inspection, choose a company that offers free inspections and money-back guarantees on all their work. Many companies provide a range of package options as well as a la carte choices to meet the needs of each customer, including ongoing protection, annual inspections and retreatment guarantees. Some even offer a reservicing guarantee that promises to retreat your property for free if the termites return.