How To Get Rid Of Termites, According To An Expert

In the forest and other natural settings, termites are beneficial insects that recycle woody debris, such as dead trees, and return nutrients to the soil. But when they attack our houses, it’s a different story. “Termites are the most destructive insect of homes around the world,” says Eric Benson, Ph.D., professor emeritus and extension entomologist with Clemson University. “They have a hidden life and can do significant damage before they’re ever discovered.”

A colony may remain concealed inside your home for a few years but eventually produces swarmers, or adult termites, that leave the nest to start a new colony. “This is when most people notice them,” says Benson. Swarmers can appear anytime from late winter to fall, depending on the species and where you live.

Here’s how to identify termites and how to get rid of a termite infestation.

How To Identify Termites Vs. Ants

Termites have straight bodies with broad waists, as well as straight antennae. Termite swarmers are brown or black and have four wings of roughly equal size; they range in size from 3/8 to 1/4 inch long. They resemble ants, which also swarm, but ants have two front wings that are much larger than the two back wings. Ants' bodies are narrower at the waist and they have bent antennae.

If you see swarmers, get them positively identified so you’ll know what you’re dealing with. “You may be able to control household pests such as ants, but a termite infestation is beyond the scope of most people’s abilities,” says Benson. “It’s not a DIY job because your home is probably the most expensive investment you’ll make in life.”

The good news is that if you do get termites in your home, they can be controlled. “We’ve been living with them a long time in the South, and we have effective ways to deal with them,” says Benson.

Types Of Termites

Termites have been around for a few million years. There are thousands of species worldwide, but there are three common types in the Southeast:

• Subterranean termites are the most common termite. They usually live below ground and move up into a structure, says Benson.
• Drywood termites don’t make colonies underground but live in structural timbers or even furniture and handrails inside a home.
• Dampwood termites are found in logs, fence posts, and utility poles; damp wood termites are attracted to firewood piles and water leaks such as from water pipes and AC units.

What Are Formosan Termites?

One type of subterranean termite worth noting is the Formosan termite (Coptotermes formosanus). These non-native termite species arrived during the 1950s and are found in many states in the Southeast, especially in coastal areas.

The biggest issue is that while native subterranean termite colonies may reach 50,000 to 100,000 or more individuals at maturity, Formosan termites can have a million workers. “This means they can do more damage faster,” says Benson.

Formosan termites also form aerial nests high above the ground, such as near a leaky roof or chimney so you may never notice them until they’ve caused significant damage. That’s why your home must be inspected from the ground up to the roofline.

The good news is that Formosan termites are not resistant to insecticides and aren’t “super-termites.” The professional-use treatments are effective against Formosan termites at the same concentration levels used for native subterranean termites.

How To Tell If You Have Termites

Besides seeing swarmers outdoors, there are other signs you may have an infestation. If you notice these signs, contact a professional for treatment:

• Large numbers of swarmers indoors often indicates a structural infestation.
• Discarded wings located at entry points means termites are establishing a colony. They shed their wings to conserve energy and focus on building.
• Bubbling paint or areas of hollowed out wood can indicate termites are burrowing.
• Mud tunnels, or shelter tubes, about the width of a straw, on the foundation, floor joists, and other parts of the house are signs of a colony. Termites use these tunnels to protect themselves as they’re traveling.

How To Treat Termites

If you suspect you have termites, don’t panic. “They’re not going to do much damage over a few days or weeks,” says Benson. “You have time to do the research, and interview two to three professional pest control companies to have them do inspections and suggest a treatment plan.” But be wary of bids that are out of line with each other, especially any that are very low.

There are two widely used treatment methods, which may be combined. The most common is to apply liquid termiticide in a trench in the soil around your house. Drilling into brick or concrete slabs also may be necessary to establish continuous protection around the home. “The correct concentration and distribution of the termiticide must be applied to be effective,” says Benson.

The second method is installing below-ground bait systems every 10 to 20 feet around a building; the stations are monitored regularly for activity. This technique often takes longer to control an infestation but can be effective and may be a better option in situations when you can’t drill holes, such as into a historic structure, says Benson.  Alternatively, above-ground bait stations may be installed.

How To Prevent Termite Infestations

There are no guarantees, but these steps may help reduce your chances that termites will find your home a safe haven:

Fix Leaks

Repair water leaks and moisture issues ASAP because termites love damp or decayed wood. “Even metal and stucco buildings can have enough cellulose within the structure to allow them to get a foothold,” says Benson.

Improve Ventilation

Make sure basements and crawl spaces are ventilated properly to prevent moisture buildup. Also, don’t store wood, cardboard, or other items in crawl spaces.

Check The Dryer Vent

Dryer vents can be an entry point for termites. Don’t vent dryers into crawl spaces. The air creates the moist, humid environment termites seek. The vent also releases lint from clothing, which some termites will eat. Clean the dryer vent regularly.

Protect Wood

Eliminate wood-to-ground contact, such as wooden steps, and make sure any pressure-treated wood that is used is rated for ground contact (the tag on lumber will indicate proper use). Stack firewood away from the house, not up against it. Keep it at least 20 feet away from your home. Wood siding should start at least 6 inches above ground level.

Elevate Insulation

Don’t allow foam board insulation to contact the ground because termites can tunnel through it into a structure. They will not eat the insulation, but it can be a pathway to other parts of the home.

Keep Mulch Off The Foundation

Keep wood mulch away from the house, thinning out to a fine layer as you get closer to the foundation. “They’re not attracted to mulch per se, but it retains moisture and moderates temperatures, which is what termites need. They don’t like it too hot or too cold,” says Benson.

Clear Overgrowth

Remove dense vegetation up against the house, which traps moisture and creates a cozy habitat for termites. It also makes inspections difficult.

Clean Gutters

Make sure gutters are cleaned regularly so water flows away from your house. Gutters provide easy access to your home, and clogs can create moisture that leads to rotting wood that termites like.

Seal Cracks

Close off entry points by sealing cracks, crevices, and joints in any exterior wood, especially close to the ground. Seal any cracks and gaps around windows, doors, vents, and utilities ports into the house. Sealing also helps control moisture levels that can attract termites.

Call An Expert

Hire a professional pest control company to perform annual inspections on your entire house from the ground up to the roofline, including the attic.