Uh oh, you’ve got termites. These little pests have been chewing up your property and you’ve got to get rid of them before they do more damage. So, it’s a good idea to try and exterminate an entire termite colony on your own, right?
Well, as eager as you may be to tackle your termite problem, it’s a job that’s best left to the experts. Here’s why you should call the pros about termites on your Allen property.
What You Should Know About Termites
Termites are the ultimate destructive pest, even worse than rodents or other wildlife that can wreak havoc indoors. Every year, property owners in the United States spend approximately $5 billion on termite repairs. Some 600,000 Americans are impacted by termite damage annually. It’s an all-too-common problem and one that’s unfortunately expensive to fix. The average cost of termite repair is upwards of $3,000.
You won’t be able to undo the damage that termites have already caused, so it’s important to prevent termite infestations from spreading further. You might be tempted to try to eliminate your termites by yourself, but DIY termite control can be a waste of time and money.
Why DIY Termite Control Fails
Do-it-yourself termite control methods can seem promising. But most of these products and techniques are short-term fixes that won’t solve your problems. A few common DIY termite control tactics include:
- Diatomaceous earth: When termites make contact with powdery diatomaceous earth, moisture is sucked out of their bodies, causing the pests to shrivel up. But without an extensive and targeted application, diatomaceous earth can wind up making a mess with little to no effect on your termite problem.
- Orange oil: Orange oil breaks down the exoskeleton of termites and destroys termite eggs. However, this method is only effective against dry wood termites and not the typical subterranean termites that infest most American properties.
- Store-bought products: Termite baiting stations from the store can seem promising. Unfortunately, you might place the baiting stations in areas where termite workers don’t travel. And if termites don’t find the poisoned bait, the infestation will continue.
How To Prevent Termites
While many DIY termite control methods are bogus, there are other tried-and-true approaches to termite control that you can trust.
- Reduce moisture: Minimize the amount of moisture in the soil around your property. Ensure that gutters are flowing properly and that no pipes or spigots are leaking. Ventilate humid basement areas by opening windows or consider installing a dehumidifier.
- Try some landscaping: If you have gardening or landscaping features with mulch or woody plants, consider pulling them back at least 20 feet away from any buildings. Clear away any rotting logs, fallen trees, or dead stumps. If possible, try switching to a cellulose-free mulch.
- Prevent wood-to-soil contact: Make sure that no wooden segments of your property are making direct contact with soil. You can install a gravel or sand barrier around the perimeter of your home or business to defend against termite infestations.
While you can take steps to prevent termites on your property, the only way to get rid of them once and for all is with professional assistance from Adams Exterminating Company. When you choose our termite control services, our trained technicians will customize a treatment plan to your unique needs. We’ll perform a thorough inspection of your property, eliminate active termites, and protect your property with the industry-leading Sentricon® System with Always Active™ to stop your termite problem at the source. If you’re suffering from termite troubles in Allen, get in touch with us today.