What Gets Rid of Termites?

Killing Existing Termites with Insecticides

• Non-repellent insecticides are one of the more effective ways to kill existing infestations of termites. Repellent insecticides are designed to keep termites away from a structure, but if an infestation has already occurred, these insecticides may simply result in the termites finding another place to colonize within the structure. Kill existing termites by treating your home with insecticide foams and treatments like Premise 2, Phantom and Bora Care. These treatments are essentially poisons that begin to kill the termites as soon as they come in contact with them.
  
  

Eradicating Termite Nests with Poisoned Bait

• Getting rid of termites involves more than just killing them when they make it into your home. To control the problem, you need to eradicate the termite nests. One of the most popular ways to do this is by setting baited termite traps in and around your home. Termite traps contain poisoned bait that does not immediately kill the termite. Rather, the termite carries the poisoned bait back to the nest where it is shared with other termites and kills them at the source. Bait traps can be used in the home, placed near termite entrances and exits, and placed outside the home in the form of stakes.
  
  

Removing Food Sources

• In addition to baiting and poisoning termites, removing food sources can be an effective way to get rid of them. Termites feed on wood and they are naturally drawn to damp areas where wood may already be rotting. To help prevent termite infestations, keep wood piles away from the house or elevate them at least 6 inches off the ground. Get rid of any brush piles or wood debris in your yard. Keep your basement clean and dry and do not leave any wood scraps lying around.
  
  

Preventing Termites From Entering Your Home

• One of the most important things you can do to prevent an infestation of termites is to seal off any cracks or holes that might allow termites to access your home. Use caulk to seal any cracks or holes and rid your home of places that might harbor termites. Gutters tend to harbor moisture and the wet leaves provide food for termites in addition to giving them an excellent entry point to your home. Flat roofs also have a tendency to retain moisture, as do sprinkler beds, leaky faucets and dryer vents.
  
  

Hiring a Professional Termite Control Service

• When homeowners discover a termite infestation in their home, oftentimes their first reaction is to panic. In this state of mind it can be difficult to view the situation objectively and to rationally consider the options. Quality termite treatment and control requires a knowledge of construction and experience with treatment methods. Sometimes it is best to leave things to a professional. A professional termite service has access to different and often more potent chemicals than the average homeowner. Professional termite exterminators know what to look for in identifying termite entrances, exits and nests.