How to Effectively Handle a Termite Infestation in Your Home
Being a homeowner is highly beneficial because you have a place where you can relax. For this reason, it's your responsibility to ensure your home is maintained in good shape. However, one can only do so much regarding this because many things, such as termites, can disrupt your peaceful home life.
Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can infest your home. If not dealt with promptly, they can cause extensive damage to your property. Not only do they feed on wood, but they can also undermine the structural integrity of your home. This is why you must be proactive in dealing with termites, especially since they can also affect your health. Few people know how to do this, so we'll discuss the details in this article.
What Attracts Termites?
Many factors can attract termites. The most common is the presence of wood. Many people use wood to build their homes. Termites are attracted to this material because it's their primary food source. If there's wood in your home, then it's likely that termites will find their way in.
Another factor that attracts termites is moisture. Termites need moisture to survive. If there's moisture in your home, then it's likely that termites will find their way in.
Furthermore, plants can also attract termites because they provide food and shelter for insects. If you have plants in your home, then it's likely that termites will find their way in.
Where Do Termites Enter?
There are many ways for termites to enter your home, but the most common is through cracks in the foundation. Termites can also enter through gaps in the vents, windows, and doors. Naturally, this also applies to the HVAC system.
Another way that termites can enter your home is through the sewer system. If there's a crack in the sewer line, then termites can enter your home through the sewer system.
With this in mind, the easiest way to prevent a termite infestation is by sealing any entry points to your home. You should also have your sewer lines regularly inspected for cracks.
Termite Treatment Options
While termites may cause significant damage to your home, there are ways to eliminate them through home remedies. These include:
Borax Powder
Borax powder is one of the leading choices for killing termites. However, you should know that borax is poisonous, so you must take precautions, such as wearing gloves and a mask when using borax.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a popular home remedy used to kill termites. You can make a vinegar solution by mixing one part vinegar with one part water. Then, apply the mixture to the affected areas.
Lemon Juice
Using lemon juice to kill termites is no different than using vinegar. Mix one part lemon juice with one part water and apply the mixture to the affected areas.
Orange Oil
Using orange oil can be a great option if you're looking for a way to kill termites without pungent smells. It's a natural pesticide that's derived from the peels of oranges.
To make your own orange oil termite killer, combine one cup of oil with one cup of water and add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick. Apply the mixture to the affected areas and reapply every few days.
Hiring a Pest Control Service
You can hire a professional pest control service to remove the termites if all else fails. However, you don't just hire the first company you see because you must consider the following factors:
Experience
A pest control company's experience matters because you want to ensure that the company you're hiring is experienced enough to know what they're doing. The last thing you want is to hire a company that doesn't know how to eliminate the termites, and the problem may worsen.
Tools and Equipment
A professional pest control company uses heavy-duty tools and equipment to eliminate pests. You want to ensure that the company you're hiring uses these types of tools and equipment because they'll be able to eliminate the pests more effectively.
Cost
Above all else, a professional pest control company should charge an affordable rate for their services. It would help if you got a free estimate from the company before hiring them to know how much their services will cost.
Conclusion
Termites are a nuisance; if you have them in your home, you must get rid of them as soon as possible. As such, you can eliminate them yourself or hire a professional service to do it for you. All that matters is doing it right to ensure they won't bother you again.
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termite treatments, Roach Busters can help you! Our professional pest control technicians will ensure your home is free of pests through safe methods, all for affordable prices. Visit our website now to get a free quote!