It is possible to perform a post-construction treatment. To do this requires holes to be drilled through slabs and insecticide to be injected beneath the foundation. [2] X Research source There are a wide-range of products available for this, and in most states home owners can legally purchase these products if it’s for personal use only. Online vendors have videos that you can watch so you can understand how to do this project effectively before you buy anything. If you are uncertain about how to do this, you should seek advice from a professional rather than risk causing damage.
For the best results, contact a reputable pest control company and talk to them about installing termite bait stations or a liquid barrier treatment to help get rid of termites around your home. [4] X Research source Joshua Bloom. Pest Control Specialist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020. If some foraging subterranean termites find a gap in the repellent they will return with more termites.
Foraging termites which have been exposed to the chemicals might pass it on in the colony through grooming and feeding which would kill more of the termites.
Some baits use Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) which are very effective at decreasing and destroying whole colonies. IGRs have low toxicity to humans and pets, but often the most effective ones are only available to professionals. [6] X Trustworthy Source University of California Integrated Pest Management Program Research-based pest management program run by the University of California’s Cooperative Extension Go to source
You can attach these to an area where there is termite activity such as a mud tube, or some damaged woodwork. Be sure to read the label of whatever you use, as some baiting systems will be designed to work on their own, others with liquid spot-treatment.
A specialist will need to make specific plans for the particulars of your infestation.
There are two different types of poisons used to kill termites; one is a stomach poison, and the other a hormone which prevents termites to regrow a cuticle after moulting. The poisons have a two-fold benefit, since termites will eat the remains of their colony members. Even post tenting and fumigation, a problem may flare up once more with termites; unfortunately, this procedure does not rid your home of termite eggs.
This also applies for any mulch or wet garden materials which could be attractive to termites. [11] X Trustworthy Source Virginia Cooperation Extension Publications and Educational resources from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University Go to source
This also applies for porches or decking areas, where you should not have the wood directly on the soil.
Alates (more commonly known as swarmers) are dark-brown or black, and are around a quarter to a half inch long, with two pairs of wings of very similar length. Workers don’t have wings, are generally a quarter inch long, and are cream coloured. Soldiers are also wingless, but they have large mandibles (jaws). They are the defenders of the colony and are distinctive for their jaws and their creamy torso, and their brownish head. [16] X Research source
Dark patches or blisters in wood flooring can indicate termites. Wood may not look damaged, but if you tap it and it sounds hollow, this suggest that though the veneer is undamaged, the softer wood beneath has been eaten away.
Once they have mated, swarmers will shed their wings. They will leave them in a pile, which might look like fish scales. If you see a pile of wings like this on your windowsill, it could indicate an infestation. [18] X Research source
