Table of Contents
What are the signs of termites in your home?
5 Signs of a Termite Infestation Stuck Windows or Doors. Do you have a window or door that recently feels stuck, or suddenly became much harder to open or close? Damage under Paint or Wallpaper. Termite Swarmers & Discarded Wings. Mud Tubes. Termite Droppings.
How do you identify termites?
Some indications you may have a termite infestation: A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home. Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings). Wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces.
Are termites harmful to humans?
Termites do not cause harm to humans in the direct way that pests like rodents, mosquitoes, and bees can. However, the damage that termites cause to properties can harm your finances, stress levels, and potentially make structures unsafe for occupancy.
Can you see termites?
When people initially spot termites, they typically see the swarmer-type termite. This bug looks a lot like a winged ant, but it has several noteworthy differences, such as: White, transparent wings with rounded tips that are the same length. A tiny body no longer than a quarter of an inch.
How quickly do termites spread?
Termites take a very short time to spread. Within a few days, they can multiply to what’s considered an infestation. Homeowners need to take every percaussion possible, and be sure to act quickly in order to protect their homes.
Are termites hard to get rid of?
Termites can be a difficult pest to deal with, especially in warmer weather. For smaller infestations, there are many DIY solutions that homeowners can use and apply to get rid of termites. However, when dealing with large infestations, homeowners should call a professional exterminator to handle the issue.
How can I get rid of termites?
When it comes to getting rid of termites, you have two basic options: DIY or hire a professional. The DIY option requires you to purchase and correctly use termite control products. The professional option requires you to to hire a pest controller to get rid of the problem for you.
Are termites white or black?
Found in every U.S. state except Alaska, subterranean termites are creamy white to dark brown or black and 1/8 inch long. They live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to two million members.
What can be used to get rid of termites?
One popular method on how to get rid of termites involves treating the soil around your house with a termite insecticide, such as imidacloprid or fipronil. Wood can also be treated directly if termites are inside. Termite baits are strategically placed around your yard to lure termites in.
What kills termites in house?
There are two main chemicals used to kill termites—fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is the specially designed chemical used as an active ingredient in many different liquid termiticides. In high enough concentrations, it can kill termites on contact. Pest control specialists apply it around the perimeter of homes.
Can you sleep in a room with termites?
You won’t be able to sleep peacefully since the termite infestation will keep you awake at night. Other than that, termites are not harmful to humans. To prevent further damage to your home, it’s better to call in a professional pest control company such as ChemFree Exterminating in Orange County, CA.
How do I get rid of termites in my house?
How to Get Rid of Termites in Wood #1: Exposure to Sunlight. Expose your furniture to sunlight often. #2: Make a Cardboard Trap. Cardboard boxes are effective traps for termites. #3: Spray Boric Acid. Keep your furniture clean and moisture-free. #5: Oil Treatments. #6: Distance between soil and wood.
What time of day are termites most active?
Subterranean termites swarm during the day, particularly after rainfall. They’re most active in the spring. Invasive Formosan termites swarm at night and are generally at their peak in the late spring and summer. Drywood termites are also active at night, especially around lights.
What months do termites come out?
Most species of subterranean termites swarm during the spring and summer months, typically on a warm day with calm winds after a rainfall. Drywood termites and one particular species of subterranean termite (R. hageni) typically swarm during the late summer or fall months, from August through November.
What causes termites in the house?
Moisture. Leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow all create moisture issues that attract termites. Dampwood and subterranean termites in particular thrive in humid environments. While dampwood termites prefer water-damaged wood, subterranean termites are unable to live unless surrounded by enough moisture.
What happens if you disturb termites?
By disturbing the Termites you can cause the problem to intensify as Termites will probably retreat from the disturbed area and re–appear to attack elsewhere in your home.
How long do termites take to destroy a house?
Depending on the size of the house, building or other structure, it may take 3 – 5 years for termite damage to be obvious – this depends on the size of the colony (or colonies) present. Some research has found that it would take up to 15+ years (give or take) for termites to completely destroy your home.
Can termites go from house to house?
As subterranean termites like chewing through items made of wood and cellulose, such as furniture and wooden floors, they can travel with you from another house and thus, be transferred to your home as well.