Termites can be a serious problem for homeowners. If left unchecked, they can cause major structural damage to your house. However, with the right approach and professional help, you can get rid of termites and protect your home from future infestations. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of termites in your home, according to pest control experts.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

The first step is learning how to identify signs of termites in your home. Here are some common indicators that termites may be present:

Small piles of sawdust-like material called “frass” near wood structures
Hollowed out wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Mud tubes along foundations, walls, and other structures
Swarming winged termites, especially after rain
Cracked or bubbling paint and wallpaper

If you suspect termites, get a professional inspection right away to assess the extent of the infestation and damage. Acting quickly improves your chances of eliminating termites before they spread further.

Professional Termite Treatment Options

There are several effective professional termite treatment methods. The best approach depends on the type of termites and extent of the infestation.

Liquid Soil Treatments

This involves applying termiticide chemicals like fipronil or imidacloprid around the foundation and other infested areas. The chemicals soak into the soil, forming a barrier that kills termites and prevents new ones from tunneling in. Annual follow-up treatments may be needed.

Baits and Bait Systems

Exterminators place termite bait stations containing slow-acting poison around the home. Worker termites take the bait back to the nests, eventually eliminating the entire colony. Bait systems require fewer chemicals and provide ongoing protection.

Fumigation

For severe infestations, fumigation tenting of the whole structure may be recommended. It involves sealing the home and releasing gas to penetrate inside wood and wall voids, killing all termites inside. No other method is as thorough, but you must vacate the home for days.

Wood Treatments

Foams, crystallization chemicals, or borates can be injected into infested wood for localized treatment. This targets termites in specific areas without exposing the whole home to pesticides. Annual inspections are needed to check for new activity.

Physical Barriers

Physical termite barrier systems like steel mesh, sand barriers, or crushed granite around foundations can block termites from entering the structure. This non-toxic approach is best for new construction.

6 Steps for Effective Termite Elimination Process

Here is a summary of the key steps involved in professionally treating termites:

Inspection – Have a certified termite inspector check your home and determine the type and scope of the infestation.
Evaluation – Get a professional recommendation on the optimal treatment methods based on the inspection findings.
Preparation – Properly prep the home according to the treatments being applied (e.g. removing clutter near foundations for soil treatment).
Application – Have a licensed professional apply termite control products based on label directions. This may involve treating soils, installing bait systems, fumigating, etc.
Post-treatment – Take any steps needed after application, like airing out the home after fumigation. Avoid disturbing treated areas.
Follow up – Schedule annual inspections and monitoring to ensure termites are eliminated and do not return. Renew treatments as needed.

Following this full process is the best way to get rid of termites and prevent costly damage to your most valuable asset – your home.

DIY Termite Control: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

While professional treatment is strongly recommended, there are some DIY steps you can take to help control termites:

DO:

Fix any wood-soil contact points around foundations that allow termites easy entry.
Reduce moisture issues like leaky pipes, poor drainage, etc. that attract termites.
Store lumber, mulch, and other cellulose debris well away from your house.

DON’T:

Attempt to do full soil treatments, fumigation, or intensive chemical treatments yourself. Leave it to professionals.
Bother active termite nests or colonies. This may disrupt them and cause scattering.
Use store-bought chemicals or repellents around your home’s exterior. Most provide only limited protection.

If you have even the slightest termite issue, have it looked at by an inspector. Homeowners attempting large-scale treatments themselves often make problems worse and cause termites to spread into new areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eliminating Termites

Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about terminating termite infestations:

How long does it take to get rid of termites?

With professional treatment, most visible termite activity and damage can be stopped within a few months. However, it can take 1-2 years of monitoring and follow up treatments to fully eliminate a serious infestation and ensure termites do not return.

Do I need to tent my entire house to get rid of termites?

Not always. In many cases, targeted spot treatments or bait systems can eliminate localized infestations. Tenting is only needed for the most severe multi-site infestations that require fumigating the entire home.

What’s the best time of year to treat for termites?

Spring and summer when termites are most active are ideal times for inspections and applying liquid soil treatments. However, treatments can be done year-round as needed.

How expensive is professional termite treatment?

Costs range from $500-$2000+ depending on the size of your home, type of treatment, and severity of the infestation. Liquid treatments tend to be cheaper than fumigation. Get quotes from at least 3 professionals.

How can I prevent termites from ever infesting my home?

Regular inspections, eliminating wood-soil contact points, correcting moisture issues, and using termite-resistant building materials during construction are the best preventative measures.

Do home insurance policies cover termite damage?

Standard policies do not include termite damage coverage. You need to purchase separate termite insurance or a termite protection plan from your pest control company to cover the costs of treating and repairing termite damage.

The Takeaway

Dealing with a termite problem requires specialized expertise and tools that pest control professionals have. Attempting DIY treatments without addressing the full scope of the infestation is never advised. Your best bet is having a thorough inspection done and following your pest professional’s recommendations for eliminating termites. With persistence and diligence, even the most stubborn infestations can be managed for long-term protection of your home’s structure and value.

How to Get Rid of Termites In Your Home, According to a Professional

Termites can cause severe damage to homes if left unchecked. Getting rid of them requires a strategic approach and expert help. Here is a detailed guide on eliminating termites from your home, according to pest control professionals:

Inspecting for Signs of Termites

The first step is learning how to identify signs of termites. Watch for:

Mud tubes on foundations and walls
Hollowed wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Swarming winged termites, especially after rain
Little piles of sawdust-like “frass” near wood

If you suspect termites, get a professional inspection right away to confirm and determine the extent of the problem. The earlier treatment begins, the better.

Professional Treatment Options

There are several effective professional termite treatment options to eliminate infestations:

Liquid Soil Treatments

Termiticides are applied around the foundation and other infested areas to create a chemical barrier in the soil that kills termites tunneling from underground colonies. It provides 3-5 years of protection.

Baiting Systems

Bait stations containing slow-acting poisons are installed around the home. Worker termites take the bait back to the colony, resulting in its eventual demise. Bait systems require less chemicals.

Fumigation

For severe widespread infestations, fumigation tenting of the entire home may be required. This involves sealing the structure and releasing fumigant gases to penetrate wood voids and walls, killing all termites inside.

Targeted Wood Treatments

Specific infested wood can be injected with termiticides, foams, borates, or crystallization chemicals for localized treatment instead of whole structure fumigation.

Physical Barriers

Physical termite barrier systems like steel mesh, sand barriers, or crushed granite below foundations can block termites from entering the structure.

Following a Full Treatment Process

Getting rid of termites requires following a complete strategic process:

Professional inspection to determine scope of infestation
Evaluation to recommend optimal treatment approach
Proper prep work before application
Licensed professional application of treatments
Post-treatment steps like airing out home after fumigation
Annual monitoring and follow up treatments as needed

This comprehensive process is the most effective approach to eliminate termites and prevent future infestations.

Smart DIY Termite Control Measures

While professional treatment is strongly advised, you can take these DIY measures to help control termites:

DO:

Eliminate wood-soil contact points around the foundation
Fix moisture issues like leaks that attract termites
Store lumber and cellulose debris far from your home

DON’T:

Attempt intensive chemical soil treatments by yourself
Disturb active termite nests or colonies
Use store-bought repellents around your home’s exterior

Leave major treatments to the professionals – trying to eliminate large infestations yourself often makes problems worse.

FAQs About Exterminating Termites:

How long does professional termite treatment take?

Most visible termite activity can be stopped in a few months, but completely eliminating infestations and preventing recurrence takes 1-2 years of monitoring and retreatment.

When is the best time to treat for termites?

Spring and summer are ideal for inspections and liquid soil treatments since termites are most active. But treatment can be done year-round as needed.

How much does professional termite control cost?

From $500-$2000+ depending on your home’s size, treatment type, and severity of infestation. Get multiple quotes.

How can I prevent ever getting termites?

Regular inspections, correcting moisture issues, eliminating wood-soil contact points, and using termite-resistant materials during construction are key for prevention.

Does home insurance cover termite damage?

Standard policies do not – you need separate termite coverage or a protection plan from your pest control company to cover treatment and repairs for termite damage.

Conclusion

Dealing with termites requires specialized expertise and training that professionals have. Trying extensive DIY treatments without addressing the full scope of infestation is never recommended. Follow your pest professional’s advice for inspecting, evaluating, and eliminating termites. With diligence, even severe infestations can be managed for long-term protection of your home.