How To Inspect Your Home for Termites.
Fun Fact: Termites are found in 49 of the 50 states of this great nation. So, if you are a homeowner, there is a definite possibility that you will encounter termites at some point. Now, us folks at HowToPest.com are not one to downplay the skills of a knowledgeable pest control expert. By all means, if you have any concerns about the severity of your possible termite infestation, and you do not feel that you would be capable of performing a termite inspection on your own home, then yes, you definitely will want to call a pest professional. But, if you are like us and are a bit handy and like to save a buck or two whenever possible, then HowToPest.com is here to help you inspect your home for termites!
What Do I Need To Get Started?
In order to perform a thorough termite inspection on your home, you will want to gather a few things:
- Flat-Head Screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Face Mask (if inspecting an attic or crawlspace)
What Am I looking For?
As you know termites primarily feed on wood but they will also tunnel through other materials to get to the wood. So, when you are doing your termite inspection you will want to keep an eye out for the following things:
- Dead termites or discarded wings
- Mud tubes
- Termite droppings
- Hollowed wood
- Bubbled paint
- Cracks in cement or bricks that could be a possible entry point
Whether you start your termite inspection indoors or outdoors, make sure you are starting at one point and ending at the same point to make sure you cover all areas of the home. Pay extra attention to the door and window frames as termites are attracted to the light and that is normally where you can see the most termite activity.
Termites eat wood from the inside out, so this is where the screwdriver comes in handy. Take your screwdriver and give all wood beams some taps to see if the wood is solid or sounds hollow. Wood that may look on the surface to be in good shape can be very deceiving.
If you are able to get into the crawlspace or attic then do it. These are areas that the wood is exposed making it a lot easier to see any termite activity. Don’t forget your flashlight and face mask!
What Do I Do if I Have Termites?
Here is where it can get sticky! Getting rid of termites can be labor intensive so know your limits! You may be better off calling a professional for large infestations.
Nevertheless, your first step will be to identify which type of termite you have. See our article on termite identification. If you feel that this is a small infestation that can be treated with a termiticide then we have you covered! Check out our selection of termiticides that can certainly do the job. Your course of action will be determined by the type of termites that you have. Still have questions? You can call our knowledgeable technicians and we can answer all your questions! 877-708-1974 Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm PST.
Bora-Care Termiticide and Fungicide
Fast Free Shipping!
Bora-Care Termiticide, Insecticide and Fungicide Concentrate is a wood treatment with patented glycol penetrants that kills and prevents termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles and decay fungi. Bora-Care replaces old-style soil termiticides which are pumped into the ground under and around the house. Liquid termiticides can break down in just a few years. Bora-Care eliminates treated wood as a food source for termites. And studies show that termites can’t tube over Bora-Care treated wood.
Product Features:
- Bora-Care is formulated with a concern for the environment. Active ingredient is a borate mineral salt.
- Its active ingredient has been scientifically demonstrated to work based on hundreds of university studies.
- Used as a pretreatment in new construction for termites and wood-destroying insects, or to eliminate existing infestations in homes.
- Prevention and remedial control of wood decay fungi and algae.
- Bora-Care diffuses into wood and remains there for the life of the wood, providing residual protection.
- Eliminates the need to pump hundreds of gallons of pesticides into the ground around and under your home.
Sizes:
- 1 Gallon Jugg
- Case of (4) 1-Gallon Jugs
