Termites are such infamous destroyers of property, there are people who will try anything to avoid and eliminate their numbers. Problem is, these methods are often ineffective and simply worsen the problem. Learning the right and wrong ways to spot and address termites can save you a lot of money and added stress.
Termites: Costly Creatures
Every year, hundreds of millions of dollars are lost to termite damage. With their ravenous diets of wood and their vast tunnel-work colonies, termites can chew through materials faster than any other common pest. It doesn’t take long for their wood-boring to affect the structural stability of a property. In addition to the direct material harm termites cause, those numbers don’t address the untold losses of farmers who lose harvests to these invasive bugs every year. No matter how you calculate it, termites are bad news for Indiana property owners. That’s why it’s important to play it safe rather than risk it with unproven prevention or elimination methods and get effective termite control services in Terre Haute.
Don’t Try To Handle It Yourself
By the time you notice the problems caused by termites, it’s very likely that the colony has already grown too large for you to do anything about it. Unfortunately, too many property owners think they can save money by turning to solutions they find online or concoct in their own heads.
Here are some of the most common DIY methods, and why they almost always fail:
- Orange oil: A common mixture used in cleaning, orange oil is an extract of orange rinds. While it has been proven to kill some termites on contact, this method often does nothing to address termite eggs or the colony’s queens that can simply produce replacements.
- Vinegar: Another longtime home-cleaning product that people tout at termite-proof, vinegar is even less effective at truly eliminating termite populations.
- Sprays: Over-the-counter sprays and self-applied bug bombs suffer from two common problems - user error and lack of safety. Not every approved spray is actually safe for you and your property, not to mention you likely don’t have the expertise needed to apply these products in a way that’s thoroughly effective.
Real Termite Prevention Methods
Now that we’ve cleared some of the bunk out of the way, let’s look at some of the tried and true methods of termite prevention. Keep in mind that these are for reducing the likelihood of a termite infestation, not for removing an existing population:
- Soil contact: Termites build mounds or tunnels in the soil before they invade a property and start chewing through woods. That means you should address any areas where soil meets wood and provides an easy avenue in.
- Wood storage: Along these same lines, it’s important to store yard debris and woodpiles away from any structures on your property.
- Moisture control: Termites are attracted to damp wood, so it’s important to address leaky pipes or moisture buildup. Not only should you maintain proper plumbing and replace waterlogged wood, but you should also pay attention to ventilation in rooms like bathrooms and kitchens.
For Guarantees, Trust The Pros
With so much at stake with a termite infestation in your Terre Haute home, it’s important not to waste time with strategies that aren’t likely to be successful. Even if you think termites aren’t around, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Turn to the experts for an inspection of your property today. At Action Pest Control, we can determine your level of risk and spot any existing problems. If termites are discovered, you can rest easy knowing the methods we apply are proven to work, and we won’t stop until your property is termite-free.
Don’t wait for termites to be a problem before you act to protect your property from them, and don’t try dealing with it on your own. Reach out to Action Pest Control today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Terre Haute.