Termites are referred to as silent destroyers because they can eat through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper without being noticed. Since termites primarily consume wood, they have the potential to jeopardize the stability and security of an afflicted structure. If your home is in a known termite region, it is vulnerable since these little insects have an insatiable appetite. They flourish in tropical and subtropical areas. 

The pests eat paper, cardboard, fiberboard, cotton, living or dead wood, twigs, roots, grass, plant litter, and other plant materials. But termites contribute also significantly to the ecology by recycling wood and restoring vital minerals in the soil.

 what to do if your home has termites

However, they have the potential to seriously harm furniture in your homes to other manmade structures. These infestations are a major hindrance and should be left to experienced pest control services. But if you want to try to eliminate these bugs on your own, here are some methods you can opt. 

What do termites look like?

What do termites look like?

There are roughly 2000 different species of termites, and each one belongs to one of the categories that include Drywood, Formosan, and Subterranean. Every species differs biologically and behaviorally. This indicates where they dwell in the country, where they make their nests, and how likely they are to damage homes. Although there are various distinct types of termites, the most prevalent are usually between ¼- and ½-inch long. The three main social castes of termite colonies are workers, soldiers, and reproductives. There are slight visual differences between each caste and type of termite. 

The average size of subterranean termite workers is about 6 mm. Termite reproductives have two pairs of virtually similar wings, and soldiers have bigger mandibles. A head with a pair of segmented antennae, a thorax, and an abdomen make up each caste member's bodily segments. The color of the insects ranges from whitish-brown to almost black. The color of a termite is one of the traits that can assist you to identify the species of termite you're dealing with. However, workers of all species are nearly identical.

Subterranean soldier and worker termites have lighter-colored bodies and larger heads that can be orange or amber in color. However, the bodies of subterranean reproductive termites are dark in color. Drywood worker termites also have white bodies, their soldier termites have opaque bodies and a larger orange or brown head. Their reproductive termites have grey wings with dark brown bodies and amber-colored heads. Formosan worker termites are the same light color as subterranean and dry wood worker termites. With white bodies and big orange heads, Formosan soldier termites resemble subterranean termites. The color of their reproductive termites ranges from light brown to brown with a yellow tint.

Signs of Termite Infestation 

Signs of Termite Infestation

Termites can typically reside on your land or within your home for a long time before being discovered. They can be subterranean termites, which are mostly found underground. They can also be Drywood termites, which dig deeply through wooden structures. These covert intruders can be challenging to find before serious damage has been done. It's essential to recognize the warning signs as soon as possible and get rid of them.

Also Read: Tips To Fight Bed Bugs Infestation

Termites are blind, but they are always on the lookout for food. A termite would bring the tasty wood back to the colony if they accidentally bump into your house through a crack. They could also leave a small trail that other termites can follow. They're experts at hiding, so it could be difficult to detect their presence. Here are a few signs that may indicate an infestation: 

A mud tube:

Termites build shelter tubes to hide from being seen while they transport from the food source. These tunnels are bound together by termites' saliva, dirt, and debris. The pencil-width mud tubes may be seen to homeowners spreading out like veins on the walls or ceilings. This is the most popular way to identify a termite infestation.

Swarmers:

Swarmers are adult termites with wings that fly around in large numbers. An obvious indication would be if you spot a swarm leaving or passing by your home. Swarmers, however, are poor flyers. They frequently lose their wings and flee by crawling. A pile of discarded wings is another clue that termites are present.

Termite Droppings:

Although termites do produce debris that resembles sawdust, the typical eastern subterranean termites deposit their waste inside of wood, where it is unlikely that you will see it.

Termites feast on softwood that is easy to pierce with a knife. If you tap on the wood and feel hollow sounds then it is likely that the termites have eaten away the wood from within. Any amount of grit on the surface of these materials or your furniture that have been damaged is a clear warning. If you repeatedly keep seeing buckling wood, or discolored wallpaper it is possible termites are at home. 

How to Get Rid of Termites 

How to Get Rid of Termites

Using termite-killing solutions on the exterior of your home is one of the greatest ways to get rid of termites. Additionally, you can place termite baits and spray boric acid into your walls and floors in addition to using direct pesticides within your home. Here are some steps you can do to get rid of termites:

Furniture: 

  • Make sure that your furniture is not in contact with any moisture.
  • To protect wooden furniture from damage, occasionally treat it with aloe vera gel.
  • Purchase a high-quality wood polish and hire a professional to apply it to all of your wooden furniture.
  • Get rid of any unused wooden items from your house because they serve as pests' breeding grounds.

Walls:

  • A termite infestation in the walls can be expensive. So keeping your home clean and well-ventilated is the first and greatest home treatment for termites on a wall. 
  • Ensure that all water leaks are addressed. 
  • Termites thrive in conditions with moisture and darkness. 
  • Give your walls two to three days of uninterrupted sunlight exposure. 
  • Termites swiftly perish because they can't endure the heat.

Flying Termites:

  • Like most insects, termites like being around electric lighting. 
  • Turn off as many lights as you can, including any exterior lights. 
  • If it's a bug zapper, this light will draw bugs in and electrocute them. 
  • You can also use a fly swatter to kill them yourself.

Soil:

  • With a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice, termites can be removed from the soil. Mix one cup of vinegar with the juice of two lemons and store it in a jar. Spray this combination on the soil of potted plants every day.
  • Use Cayenne pepper powder or spray. The powder can be applied directly to the termites or combined with water, vegetable oil, and pepper powder to create a spray. Termites can be removed by weekly spraying.
  • Insecticidal soap can kill termites by covering them and destroying their respiratory system. Spray the termites with a solution made of soap and water every few days until they are all dead.

Also Read: How To Know If You Have Bed Bugs In Your House?

Natural Ways of Eliminating Termites

natural way to rid of termites

Any insect in your home is an annoyance, but some do more than just get on your nerves. For instance, termites can destroy the wood framework and foundation of your house. The indicators of a termite infestation might help you identify any problems before the damage is done. Quick and effective treatment is essential when termites strike. To get rid of them and stop a bigger infestation, you can even try some of these natural remedies. 

Vinegar:

Vinegar is a miracle substance for your house. You only need to combine a half cup of it with the juice from two lemons to create a termite repellent. Spray the mixture around the area where you think there are termites by placing it in a spray bottle. The termites will be instantly killed by the acidic substance. 

Borates:

Sodium borate, which is typically supplied as a borax powder, can eradicate termites. The powder can either be sprinkled around the affected area or combined with water and sprayed over the infestation. You must reapply the solution to make sure that more of the colony is being reached. 

Citrus Oil:

D-limonene, which is lethal to termites, makes up the majority of citrus oil. Termites' exoskeletons disintegrate when exposed to citrus oil, which causes them to lose moisture and protein before dying. Spray the oil directly on termites or in locations where you suspect termites are present. Additionally, you can spray the oil on any potential entry points to prevent termites from reappearing. 

Nematodes:

Nematodes are parasitic worms that devour termites. You can release them in an area with confidence after you know it has been invaded by termites. Termites will be hunted down by the nematodes until they are all gone from the environment. If you introduce enough of them into the colony, they are quite effective in eradicating termites.

Make a Bait Station:

You may want to think about using a bait station strategy if you're attempting to get rid of termites in your backyard. These tiny, cylindrical containers contain a small bit of wood, cellulose, or even paper that has been poisoned to keep the bothersome pests away. The tops of the stations are flush with the soil level and are pushed down into the earth. The plan is to attract the termites in and then have them bring the poison back to their nest, where it will take action somewhat later and destroy a significant section of the colony.

Also Read – Why Are Rats Attracted To Your House?

Conclusion  

Every spring insects begin to invade our environment. They are a vital part of our ecosystem. However, some insects are more destructive than others and need to be dealt with quickly. Termites may be at the top of our list of destructive insects due to their potential to cause structural damage to your property. We are getting hundreds of calls from homeowners asking about our termite removal service. 

You may see a swarm of insects flying on your property that appears to be ants. Flying ants are often mistaken for termites and termites are often mistaken for ants. There are some key characteristics that differentiate termites from ants that are important to know. Termites have a straight or one-piece body while ants have a narrow waist. The antennae of a termite are straight while the ant's antennae are bent. If wings are present, the termite's wings are equal in size, and ants may have different size wings. If you suspect the presence of termites in your home you will need to call a professional exterminator immediately. 

Ignoring a termite infestation can be economically significant. Metro Pest Control uses several proven termite removal techniques depending on your structure and the type of termite infestation. Call us right away for a free estimate.