Termites are destructive pests that damage your home’s structure and foundation, leading to structural damage and costly repairs. They also live in colonies and thrive year round, making them difficult to eradicate. However, there are some things you can do to help get rid of termites in your home.
The best and most effective way of eliminating these insects is by hiring a professional exterminator, but here are a few DIY methods to help keep your home termite-free.
Reduce Moisture to Get Rid of Termites
Excessive moisture is one of the primary reasons pests such as termites find your home appealing. Termites prefer to live in dark and humid places. If your property has moisture problems, this creates perfect conditions for termites to thrive.
Removing excess moisture helps keep these pests at bay. Invest in a dehumidifier to regulate moisture and lower humidity in your home. Fix roofing leaks that allow water into your home. Keep the gutters clean, so they don’t overflow and dump water near the foundation. Add proper insulation and ventilation to eliminate excess moisture in the attic.
Use Neem Oil
Neem oil is an all-natural fungicide and pesticide that works by disrupting the feeding, growth, and reproduction of many insects. It is not the fastest method to get rid of termites, but it works and is eco-friendly. Neem oil is also easy to use, meaning that you can DIY and not incur the cost of hiring professionals.
To effectively use neem oil, apply some to a cotton ball or piece of cloth and rub it on wooden components or furniture you suspect are infested by termites. When the termites ingest the oil, it will kill them.
Place Infested Furniture in the Sun to Get Rid of Termites
Termites aren’t often seen during the day because most are not attracted to light or high temperatures and can die when exposed to direct sunlight. Place infested wood products or furniture in the sun and leave them there for 3-5 days to kill termites inside. Be sure to check the weather forecast and choose days with no chance of rain.
Direct sunlight will also eliminate moisture from the furniture, reducing the chances of a re-infestation. Thoroughly clean the pieces before carrying them back inside.
Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your home can help you determine the source of the termite infestation, making it easy for you to eliminate these pests. Dispose of useless papers, magazines, and cardboard since they provide the ideal environment for termites to survive and reproduce.
If termites have infested a room in your house, never carry items stored in that particular room to other rooms in your home that have not been affected to prevent the infestation from spreading.
The above techniques can help you get rid of termites in your home by controlling the infestation, but none of them are as effective as hiring professional exterminators. Termites often go undetected for a long time until they have caused significant damage and established large colonies. Only a trained expert can completely eliminate the problem and give you expert tips to help prevent re-infestation.
Imperial Inspection Services offers inspection services, including termite inspections, to customers in Central Iowa. Contact us to schedule an appointment.