Is DIY termite treatment effective?
Termites are notorious for damaging houses. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites alone cause more than $5 billion in property damage annually, a cost not covered by most homeowners' insurance plans.
DIY termite treatment is not likely to be effective. There are different species of termites that can invade U.S. homes. A trained professional will know which species of termites are present in your area, and how to effectively spot signs of termites and termite activity when inspecting your home. As a result, the professional will know which treatment to use to help get rid of termites.
Will DIY termite treatment save me money?
You may think DIY treatments can save you some cash. After all, that's one of the main reasons people are drawn to them. But you don't want to play fast and loose with a termite infestation because even if you do not see termites after a DIY treatment, that does not mean they are gone. Termite colonies and their infestations are usually much larger and more complex than they may seem. In the long run, professional termite control could save you a lot of headaches...and money. Additionally, an initial termite inspection from Terminix® is FREE. Terminix offers the Nix Pest Guarantee which means you can relax knowing we'll nix your pest problem, and keep it nixed. And if pests come back between treatments, so will we — at no additional cost to you.1
Can you treat termites yourself at home?
Termite treatment is really not a DIY job. If you see termites or signs of termites in your home it may be tempting to try to get rid of them yourself. However, even if you stop the termites you can see, there are possibly others continuing to damage your home's structure behind the scenes. And who will be standing behind a DIY job that doesn't perform as intended? You.
Many people don't realize they have a termite problem for weeks, months or even years. That means termites could be damaging the structure of your home before you start to notice the damage or signs of their activity. And most of the termites in a subterranean termite colony live in an underground nest.
Termite Treatment Myths
Though none of these substances have been proven to be effective methods for treating termites, here are a few substances that homeowners have tried in the past:
We recommend you schedule a free inspection to help prevent termite infestations.
How do I get rid of termites in my home?
When it comes to a problem as large and damaging as a termite infestation, your best bet is to contact the termite control professionals at Terminix. Let a trained technician thoroughly inspect your home for termite activity and recommend a customized plan that fits your needs.
And you don't have to wait until you think you have termites. Terminix can help you prevent a termite infestation from ever happening in the first place. Ask about our preventive services and protection plan. Get started today with a FREE inspection.
Is DIY Termite Treatment Easy?
No matter which DIY termite treatment is being used, it has to be done correctly or it will likely result in ineffective control, or worse. There is a label that has to be followed, and it can be difficult to understand. Termite control professionals have been trained on how to properly read labels and use products, and properly apply termite control products. Just purchasing the equipment to perform a termite treatment correctly can cost more than a professional's fees.
What Kills Termites Naturally?
There's really nothing that kills termites naturally. If you look online, you can find certain DIY natural termite treatment methods. These treatment methods include nematodes, boric acid, vinegar and more. However, while some of these may work in certain perfect conditions, these treatment methods are largely ineffective, or at the very least won't give you the quick and thorough treatment your home needs in the event of a termite infestation.
The best natural method for getting rid of termites is to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place. Here are some suggestions on how to prevent termites and to control future infestations.
Keep shrubbery short
If you have shrubbery around the exterior of your home, keep it trimmed to where it's at least a foot from your home's exterior structure. This will help create air flow, allowing damp areas around your home's foundation to dry quicker. Plus, it'll be easier to spot termite mud tubes quicker, thus allowing you to act to treat potential termite activity quicker.
Keep your crawl space dry
If your home has a crawl space, be sure to keep it as dry as possible. Moisture not only creates conducive conditions for termite activity, but it can also cause other wood-destroying fungus to grow. If you're having issues keeping your crawl space dry, Terminix has services to help.
Use pine needles instead of mulch
Subterranean termites find pine needles less attractive than they find mulch because they don't hold moisture. Pea gravel and synthetic mulch are also good alternatives if you can't find pine needles in your area. Mulch should be level to your home's siding to allow potential termite activity to be visible.
Point sprinkler heads and downspouts away from your home
By keeping water from your sprinklers away from your home, you'll help keep the ground touching your home's foundation dry. Termites won't find that dry area as attractive.
Don't DIY Termite Control
At the end of the day, your home is likely the biggest investment you'll ever make. Don't risk the structural integrity of your house by attempting DIY termite control. Contact the pros at Terminix today for a FREE inspection.
