Termites are sneaky pests that can cause significant damage to homes and businesses if left unchecked. While often confused with ants, as explored in our "Termites VS Ants" guide, this article focuses exclusively on termite control. Whether you’ve spotted mud tubes, discarded wings, or wood damage, addressing termites promptly is essential. Read on to learn effective methods for for how to remove termites and preventing future infestations, safeguarding your property from these persistent pests.
How to Identify a Termite Infestation
To identify a termite infestation, there are certain telltale signs to look for that indicate the presence of these destructive pests. There are several types of termites, the most common of which is the subterranean termite. One common indicator of subterranean termites is the appearance of mud tubes, which termites construct to travel between their nests and food sources. These tubes, often found on walls, foundations, or wooden structures, provide termites with protection and moisture. Another sign is damaged or hollow-sounding wood; termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin outer layer on the outside that may collapse when tapped. Swarmers, or winged termites, are another red flag, as they often emerge in large numbers during the mating season of the termite life cycle and shed their wings near windowsills, doors, or light sources.
You might also notice small piles of termite droppings around wooden structures. Their droppings, known as frass, are tiny wood-colored pellets that resemble sand or coffee grounds. In more severe cases, paint or wallpaper may bubble or peel as termites damage the underlying wood. Listening closely in a quiet space might even reveal faint clicking or rustling sounds from inside walls, caused by termites moving or chewing wood. Paying attention to these subtle yet telling signs can help homeowners detect termite activity early, minimizing the potential for extensive damage and costly repairs.
How to Get Rid of Termites in Walls, Ceilings, and Furniture
Walls and Ceilings
To get rid of termites in walls, start by removing sources of moisture, as termites thrive in damp environments. Address any leaks in plumbing or roofing and improve ventilation to reduce humidity. Once the area is dry, you can take the optional step of exposing the infestation by carefully removing drywall or other coverings to access the damaged wood.
Natural methods can be effective in controlling termites. Use diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder made from fossilized algae, by applying it directly to infested areas. This substance dehydrates and kills termites when they come into contact with it. Another option is to introduce nematodes, microscopic worms that feed on termites. These can be applied to affected areas and are safe for humans and pets. Exposing termites to heat or sunlight is another effective DIY solution. Termites cannot survive prolonged exposure to temperatures above 120°F, so using a heat gun or exposing infested wood to direct sunlight can kill them.
Furniture
To eliminate termites from furniture, begin by isolating the affected piece to prevent the infestation from spreading. Inspect the furniture for signs of damage, such as hollow wood or tiny holes, and identify areas with active termite activity. One effective natural method is exposing the furniture to direct sunlight. Termites cannot survive prolonged heat and UV exposure, so place the furniture outdoors in the sun for several hours, ideally for 2-3 days if weather permits. Freezing is another method for smaller pieces of furniture. Place the item in a sealed plastic bag and leave it in a freezer for at least 48 hours. The extreme cold will kill termites and their eggs.
To address termite damage within the wood, you can use diatomaceous earth by applying it into visible termite galleries or cracks. This natural substance dehydrates termites upon contact. For prevention, ensure furniture is kept in a dry, well-ventilated environment. Regularly clean and inspect wooden furniture for signs of termites. Apply a protective coat of natural oils like neem or linseed oil to prevent future infestations and maintain the wood's condition. These measures can help protect and restore your furniture naturally.
How to Get Rid of Termites in Wood and Structural Areas
To eliminate termites from wooden structures like beams and supports, start by identifying the infestation through signs like hollow wood, mud tubes, or frass. Removing termites in these areas requires steps similar to those used in removing termites from walls and ceilings. First, address moisture issues by fixing leaks and improving ventilation. For a DIY and natural approach, apply diatomaceous earth to the infested areas. This non-toxic powder can be dusted directly into termite galleries or cracks. Another method is using heat; apply a heat gun or expose the wood to high temperatures if possible. Beneficial nematodes can also be introduced into the soil near affected areas for natural pest control.
For more severe infestations, applying borate-based wood treatments is a low-toxicity option, though careful handling is needed. In cases where DIY methods are insufficient, consulting professional termite control services is essential, as they can use advanced methods like targeted treatments or structural fumigation to eradicate extensive colonies effectively.
Termite Control for Long-Term Prevention
Preventing future termite infestations begins with effective moisture control. Termites thrive in damp conditions, so address any leaks in plumbing, roofing, or foundations promptly. Improve drainage around your property by maintaining gutters, downspouts, and grading soil away from your home. Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attics to minimize humidity. Before bringing any used furniture or other wooden structures onto your property, inspect them thoroughly to ensure they are not housing any termites. Regular property inspections are crucial; check wooden structures, walls, and foundations for signs of damage or infestation, such as hollow wood or mud tubes, in order to catch problems before they escalate.
Installing physical barriers during construction can provide long-term protection. Termite shields placed between the foundation wall and sill plate creates a physical barrier using termite-resistant materials like steel mesh. Create an additional barrier on the ground around the outside of the building, especially around wooden structures like porches, to prevent termites from being able to reach their food sources. Use substances like sand, crushed basalt, stone, or diatomaceous earth. When building new structures, opt for termite-resistant materials such as borate-treated wood, concrete, or steel to reduce vulnerability. Stainless steel mesh or sand barriers can block termites from accessing your property, while natural repellents like borate-treated wood offer additional defense. Sealing cracks and using natural oils like neem oil can also deter termites.
For any level of infestation, hiring professional termite pest control is the most reliable option. Experts possess the tools, knowledge, and training to assess the extent of the infestation accurately and apply the most effective treatment. Professionals use advanced techniques like thermal imaging, soil treatments, bait stations, barrier treatments, and, for very severe infestations, fumigation, ensuring thorough elimination of colonies. Their expertise also helps implement preventive measures tailored to your property, offering long-term peace of mind against potential termite threats.
Twin-Boro specializes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to provide effective, environmentally friendly termite control tailored to your needs. Whether you require residential pest control to protect your home or commercial pest control to safeguard your business, our expert team is here to help. We offer guaranteed services designed for lasting results and complete peace of mind. Don’t let termites compromise your property- contact us today to schedule a free inspection and discover why customers have trusted us for superior Bergen County pest management solutions for 50 years.
