Know what to look for
If you think you may have a termite problem, this article is for you! Identifying termites and termite behavior isn’t easy but this article will explain everything you need to know about how to identify them. It will also cover how termites are treated. Termites in Indiana can not only be contained but eradicated altogether. If the wood of your home is showing signs of damage from wood-eating or wood-boring insects such as termites or carpenter ants, sealing off these areas prevents future pest infestations in the space. Termites can eat wood, consume cellulose in nearly any form it comes in, and cause structural damage to wood. They can also bore tiny holes through plaster or drywall, creating “galleries” under the insides of hardwood floors and insulation. Swarming ants and termites are attracted to light, and they can often be found around windows and doors. Use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate as many as you can. Crawl space jack posts can be used to repair sagging or damaged support columns. Borate-based products and similar treatments are safe, non-toxic ways to eliminate pests such as termites, ants, cockroaches, fleas, and other wood-destroying pests. Termite treatment cost can get rather expensive, there are many options for prevention especially if you can recognize the signs of termites very early. Call franklin pest exterminators at (219) 600-4910 to schedule your termite inspection.
Termites in Indiana
Indiana is situated in TIP Zone #2 (moderate to heavy), which indicates that there is a significant risk of termite damage. This risk is determined by the Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones). To meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes, areas with higher probabilities of activity need more termite control measures than areas with lower probabilities. While drywood termites have not yet established colonies in Indiana, it is still possible for this species to do so by traveling in wooden items like furniture and wine crates. There have been reports of drywood termites in locations far from their natural habitats. A certified termite inspection specialist can assist in identifying species that are not local to the area. It’s crucial to maintain an efficient termite prevention and control program in states like Indiana where termites are fairly active and common. Ask your termite control specialist for advice on how to prevent termite infestations and damage if you own a home in Indiana.
Getting Rid of Subterranean Termites
- Termiticide Barriers: You might be able to buy professional-grade termite-killing products like liquid Taurus SC and Termidor SC depending on what state you reside in. These traditional termite treatments are used to create a barrier around the outside of your home. Since termites cannot detect the termiticide, they do not make an effort to avoid it. A termite will perish if it consumes items that have been treated with termiticide. Additionally, termiticide works by dispersing like a virus. One termite will unknowingly spread termiticide when it comes into contact with it, which will infect other termites and eventually eradicate the colony.
- Direct Chemicals: Contrary to termiticides, direct chemicals can be used inside your home. This method is ideal if you see a termite and want to eliminate it right away. Termites hide in places like cracks, voids, and crevices, which are best treated with Termidor Foam. When the odorless foam expands and then evaporates, it leaves behind a poisonous residue that termites will come into contact with. This process lasts a month or a little bit longer.
- Termite Baits: Termite baits are an effective strategy. Installed around the foundation of your home, these baits draw foraging termites to the poison inside. The slow-acting poison prevents termites from growing normally, killing them as they attempt to molt. Due to the toxin’s delayed effects, infected termites will spread the insecticide to other termites by bringing it back to the colony.
- Beneficial Nematodes: Many garden pests, including termites, are naturally parasitized by these tiny, segmented roundworms. A symbiotic gut bacteria is released by helpful nematodes when they burrow into their host, poisoning the termite’s blood and killing it in a matter of days. Nematodes that are useful can be purchased offline or online. Nematodes, potting soil, and cold water should be applied to the infected areas of your lawn and garden.
Now that you understand the typical ways to treat an infestation let’s talk about the cost of tenting a house, keep reading to find out.