We are glad you found this DIY termite treatment hacks. DIY termite treatments should never be a standalone solution for a termite infestation, and there is no such thing as a small-scale termite intrusions. We are sorry to report there is no effective termite treatment hack. We help homeowners avoid the costs of termite damage by discussing the top 5 termite treatment methods below:
- Termiticide barriers
- Direct chemicals
- Termite baits
- Cardboard monitors
- Professional help
Top 5 Termite Treatment Methods
Some of the most impactful ways for getting rid of termites is by applying termiticide products to your exterior and interior areas where infestation is a top concern. There are several different types of solutions that homeowners engage exterminators to use, including:
1. Termiticide Barriers
The most common treatment for termite is a liquid termiticide barrier. Liquid termiticides can be applied to your home’s exterior perimeter to create a treatment zone adjacent to the foundation. These materials kill termites that come into contact with it, acting like a virus as unsuspecting insects carry the termiticide back to their colonies where they infect the entire population. Since they are unable to detect the material, they will not try to avoid it, and travel through the material, picking it up on thier exoskeleton, sharing it in the nest and dying off. The movement of the termiticide from an insect that contacted it to another in the colony is known as a transfer effect.
2. Direct Chemicals
Termiticides (and all insecticides) must be used according to label directions. There are some materials that can be injected directly into a termite gallery. Often these materials are formulated as foams to expand and fill the inside of the galleries. They are injected by drilling holes into galleries in infested wood. After injecting the foam, the holes are plugged. The foam will expand and evaporate, leaving behind a residue that kills termites that come into contact with it. Some of these materials will have a transfer effect.
3. Termite Baits
Termite baits are another impactful option for homeowners to try. Termite baits have been available for nearly thirty years. They are an effective solution with no impact on non-target organisms. A non-targeted organism is something you don’t want to kill. Simply install bait traps around the perimeter of your foundation to attract foraging termites. Once inside the trap, these termites will eat the material and unknowingly carry the insecticide back to their colony. Just like with the termiticide barriers, the material will spread across the colony, wiping out the termites once and for all.
4. Cardboard Monitors
You can make your own termite monitor by wetting two pieces of cardboard and stacking them on top of each other. Place the cardboard on the soil next to your foundation under a rock. Check it in six months to a year. If termites are foraging next to your home, they will discover the cardboard and eat it. You will see termite damage or active termites alerting you to a termite infestation to address. While not an effective control method, monitoring for termites is helpful to let you know when to pursue more impactful options.
5. Professional Help
Termite troubles are too prevalent to control on your own, professional service is the only way to go. At GreenHow, we offer free termite inspections within 24 – 48 hours of your initial call to our team. We’ll carefully evaluate your home and property to deliver the most impactful solution that eliminates unwanted pests for the long term. Schedule your termite inspection in Boston today by calling (617) 964-4733.
