What To Do About Termites On Your Huntsville Property
April 15, 2021
Termites often remain hidden until they've done significant damage to a building. If you find evidence of termites or see an actual termite, you need to take action. But do you know what to do if you see a termite? Find out what you should do when you suspect or see termites on your Huntsville property.
The Hidden Damage Of Termites
Every year, natural disasters wreak havoc on American homes. And while most people are aware of the danger posed by hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, few individuals realize the extent of damage that termites can cause to a home or business. Unlike many other pests in Huntsville, termites are quite stealthy. They hide in your walls and chew through the wood as they go. If you're not familiar with the signs of termites, you probably won't realize you have damage until it's too late.
Part of the problem is the fact that termites work quickly to eat and reproduce, 24 hours and 7 days a week. They don't take a rest from eating cellulose, which is bad news for your wooden structure; any wood in or around your building is fair game to termites. As a colony grows, more of your property experiences damage. These common pests can cause millions of dollars in damage to Americans.
Should You Try DIY Methods Of Termite Removal?
If you see a termite or suspect that you have termites, resist the temptation to handle the problem on your own. While there are many DIY methods you can use to eliminate termites, none of them are fully effective. They could waste your time and money.
For example, some property owners use orange oil to eliminate termites; unfortunately, this is only effective on dry wood termites. Subterranean termites live in the soil, so orange oil doesn't work on them. And the treatment works on contact, so it won't destroy all of the termites on your property.
Vinegar Spray
Another DIY method is a vinegar spray, but vinegar won't kill all of the termites on your property. It's more of a deterrent, and even then, vinegar isn't fully effective.
OTC Sprays
If you look online, you can find hundreds of termite chemical sprays. Once again, these sprays won't resolve your termite issues. Some of the sprays contain hazardous chemicals that could be detrimental to your health. Others are completely ineffective, and only get rid of some of the termites on your property.
Because termites reproduce quickly, it's essential to destroy the entire colony. All of the DIY methods of termite removal leave behind some termites, which means you'll continue to experience damage.
What Does Work For Termite Removal?
The only 100% effective way to remove termites is to rely on a professional for pest control. However, you can use the following preventative measures to limit your likelihood of finding termites on your property in Huntsville:
Store Firewood Away From Your Structures
Termites eat cellulose, and firewood has plenty of cellulose. If you keep firewood near your property, you could attract termites.
Address Moisture Issues
With a penchant for water-damaged wood, termites seek out areas of high moisture. Make your property less appealing to these pests by repairing leaks, fixing drainage issues, and replacing any water damaged wood.
Get Regular Inspections
Do you know all the signs of a termite infestation? Even if you're familiar with the common signs of an infestation, you might not recognize the sign of termites. You should get regular inspections to spot termites before they destroy your property.
Call Us For Help
At the first sign of termites, contact the experts. The only way to truly get rid of an active termite infestation is with professional assistance. Here at Custom Pest Control, we're ready to help!