Although termites are small, the damage they can cause is enormous. If you’re noticing signs of termites around your home, hollow wood, mud tubes, or discarded wings, you’re not alone. Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage across the United States, and the worst part? Homeowners’ insurance rarely covers it.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of termites as a trusted pest control expert in Dayton, we are here to guide you through the best ways to deal with these silent destroyers. Whether you’re exploring DIY termite treatment options or considering professional termite extermination, we’ve got all the answers to help you protect your biggest investment — your home.
Why Termites Are a Serious Problem
Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and other plant-based materials. Once they infest your home, they quietly chew through beams, floors, and walls often unnoticed until the damage is severe.
In the U.S., subterranean termites are the most common species. They live in the soil and build tunnels to reach above-ground food sources. Left untreated, a termite colony can number in the millions and quickly compromise the structural integrity of your home.
What Kills Termites? A Look at Proven Solutions
If you’re wondering what kills termites, the good news is that there are several options, both chemical and natural, that can work depending on the severity of the infestation.
1. Liquid Termiticides
Professionally applied around your home’s perimeter, liquid termiticides create a barrier that termites can’t cross. Products like Fipronil or Imidacloprid are commonly used and highly effective.
Best For: Preventing future infestations and killing termites trying to enter your home.
2. Termite Baits
Termites are attracted to a food source that has been treated with a slow-acting poison by means of baiting devices. They bring the poison back to the colony, eventually wiping it out.
Best For: Ongoing termite control and treating hard-to-reach colonies.
3. Boric Acid
A tried-and-true solution in DIY termite treatment, boric acid can be applied directly to wood surfaces or into termite tunnels.
Best For: Small infestations or preventive applications.
4. Nematodes
Termites are naturally eaten by these little worms. You can introduce them into the soil to start hunting down the colony.
Best For: Eco-conscious homeowners seeking a natural termite treatment option.
DIY Termite Treatment: Is It Worth Trying?
If you’re dealing with a minor issue and enjoy a good home project, DIY termite treatment can help, to a point. Here are a few steps you can try:
Steps for DIY Termite Control:
- Locate the infestation. Keep an eye out for mud tubes, any wood that looks damaged, and wings.
- Apply boric acid or termite sprays to targeted areas.
- Use bait stations around your yard.
- Maintain dry conditions. Address any leaks because termites prefer wet environments.
- Keep wood away from your foundation. Keep firewood and mulch away from your home.
If DIY solutions aren’t working, it’s time to bring in the pros. As your trusted Pest Control Dayton expert, we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you make the right decision before things get out of hand.
Important Note: DIY methods might slow termites down, but they rarely eliminate a full-blown infestation. For lasting protection, professional termite extermination is usually your safest bet.
When to Call in the Pros
Here’s the honest truth: termite infestations aren’t something to take lightly. If you:
- See mud tubes or frass (termite droppings)
- Notice hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood
- Experience repeat infestations
Then it’s time to contact a certified termite control professional.
Professionals have access to industrial-strength treatments and the expertise to eliminate the entire colony not just the surface-level activity.
What a Professional Termite Extermination Involves
When you contact a trusted pest control company (like ours here in Dayton), here’s what to expect:
- Thorough Inspection: We identify where termites are hiding and assess the damage.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Depending on your situation, we might use baiting systems, soil treatments, or wood injections.
- Follow-Up & Monitoring: Termite control doesn’t end with a single treatment. We provide regular upkeep and inspections to keep your house safe.
How to Prevent Termite Infestations
Even after termites are gone, prevention is key. Here are some simple tips to keep your home termite-free:
- Fix leaks fast. Moisture is a magnet for termites.
- Keep your crawl space well-ventilated.
- Seal foundation cracks.
- Trim shrubs and trees away from the house.
- Use treated wood for any exterior projects.
- Schedule annual termite inspections with a pest control expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does termite treatment last?
Depending on the method used, professional treatments can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, with regular inspections recommended.
Can I treat termites myself?
For small problems, yes. But for long-term effectiveness and peace of mind, professional termite extermination is highly recommended.
Are termite treatments safe for pets and kids?
Yes, when applied by professionals, treatments are designed to be safe once dry. Always follow instructions and keep pets away during application.
How much does termite control cost?
Costs vary based on the size of your home and the severity of the infestation, but professional termite treatment typically starts around $500–$1,500. It’s a small price to pay compared to potential damage.
Ready for a Termite-Free Home? We’re Here to Help!
If termites have invaded your home or you’re just not sure where to start, don’t wait. The longer you leave a termite problem, the worse and more expensive it gets.
At Pest Control Dayton, we offer trusted, effective, and affordable termite treatment solutions tailored to your home’s specific needs. We also provide expert rodent control and bed bug treatment services to ensure your home is completely pest-free. With years of experience in the Dayton area, our expert technicians are here to protect your home like it’s their own.
Take the first step toward a pest-free home by giving us a call or requesting a free inspection.
