Termites pose a significant risk to the structure of your home, and if left unchecked, they can cause an extensive amount of damage that can be costly to repair. Aside from destroying property, They found in their natural habitat are beneficial to the environment by helping to move along the process of decomposition. For example, as they consume dead trees, they aerate and fertilize the surrounding soil.
Identifying Termites
The first step of eliminating termites is identification. You will need to know the type of termite you are dealing with and how they operate to take care of the threat. There are three different types of termites commonly found in Phoenix, Arizona:
Dampwood termites can grow to be 20 to 25 millimeters long and are yellowish-brown in color. Unless you have a citrus farm or have a yard full of shrubs, they aren’t a widespread problem. They usually only infest wood slightly below or at ground level.
Drywood termites can grow 11 to 12 millimeters long and have a brown head and thorax with a brownish-black abdomen. Drywood termites are much more of a problem and can infest your home or other buildings, causing extensive damage.
Subterranean Termites can grow to be around 7 millimeters in length and range from cream-colored to a pale, yellowish-brown in color. They have the most impact on Arizona homeowners.
How to Get Rid of Termites
When termites have added your home to their menu, you will need to move quickly to eliminate the threat. Here are three ways to get rid of termites.
Beneficial Nematodes
One of the most effective and natural ways to get rid of termites is the use of beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are natural microscopic parasites with a taste for many different garden pests, including termites. These segmented roundworms are incredibly effective at eliminating subterranean termites and are widely available for purchase in stores and online.
Essential Oils
Another effective natural way to eliminate termites is to use essential oils. Neem oil and orange oil will kill termites over time. These oils inhibit termite’s ability to lay eggs or shed their skin. There are many different recipes for using these oils, but one of the most common is to mix a few of drops of dish soap, two cups of water, and 10 drops of the oil you have chosen. After shaking the mixture well, apply it to all the infested wood and other materials.
Professional Extermination
Though you can obtain termiticides in a barrier, direct chemical, or bait forms, these methods may be better left to professional pest control in Phoenix. Barrier treatments can be applied to your home’s exterior perimeter, infecting and killing termites in contact with the treated area. Direct chemicals can be used to kill exposed termites immediately. Bait installed around the outside perimeter of your home’s foundation attracts termites to eat from the poison, killing them and any other termites they come in contact with.
Termites may be good for nature, but you definitely don’t want to have them infesting your home. Learning how to keep termites at bay can help you avoid costly damage to your home and property. If you are a Phoenix resident and experiencing termite troubles, Bulwark Extermination can help you eliminate the threat.
