Cleaning

House Termites: Professional Control VS DIY Natural Solutions

A termite is a small, destructive insect that feeds on cardboard and timber, posing a serious threat to any house. Extensive property damage can result from an infestation, particularly when undetected inside a house for some time.
Paying attention to signs such as mud tubes along the house structure and hollowed wood is key to getting adequate and quick Oklahoma City termite treatment. Expert solutions can include termite baits, liquid termiticides, and fumigation for immediate and effective removal from your house.

Natural remedies can also be helpful in the beginning or if the problem in the house is mild. Still, professional termite control offers comprehensive and lasting protection and is deemed the best approach to eliminate termites from your house.

Resolving A House Termite Infestation

Oklahoma City homeowners can be better prepared to battle a termite infestation by becoming familiar with the types and signs appearing in their houses.

TypeSignsDestruction
FormosanReproduces rapidly, aggressiveCompromised structural integrity from extensive house damage
SubterraneanHollowed wood, mud tubes, leaves droppingsNoticeable and extensive damage inside the house
DampwoodLikes decaying and wet woodFocused in high moisture areas of the house
DrywoodBlistered wood, leaves droppings, no soil contactChallenging to detect, localized house damage

Routine inspections with professional termite control will lead to early detection and rapid elimination in your house. Read here for tips on identifying and controlling the insects inside houses. Homeowners seeking instant solutions have a few options offered by specialists, including the following.

  • Fumigation releases gases that thoroughly and effectively kill termites, completely eliminating the infestation from the house. 
  • Termite baits contain toxins that the insects spread among their colonies for efficient elimination of the whole termite population attacking the house. 
  • Liquid termiticides are commonly used and favored for application around the house perimeter. The solution prevents molting and attacks the insect’s nervous system. 

These treatments are highly effective, giving homeowners peace of mind knowing the termite issue in their house is resolved with minimal chance for further damages.

Some homeowners will try natural remedies for a DIY approach to termite elimination if the problem in their house is new and the infestation is relatively mild. The primary natural choices include cardboard traps, nematodes, boric acid, vinegar, and diatomaceous earth.

Natural House Termite Remedies

Nematodes
The entomopathogenic nematodes are a highly effective natural solution. Microscopic worms seek their prey and act by injecting the insect’s body with bacteria for potent and full elimination inside the house.
They are harmless to humans or pets and won’t damage house property but are toxic for termites. Application is straightforward by placing nematodes wherever termite signs appear in the house.

Vinegar
With a concentrated product and direct contact, vinegar’s acetic acid acts by dehydrating termites and kills individual insects in the house. The effect is temporary since the solution loses potency and dilutes quickly.
The primary downside is that the solution needs to come in direct contact with the entire termite colony inside the house, which is challenging due to hidden tunnels and the queen’s protection. While visible insects may be eliminated, the colony can rapidly repopulate.

Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a non-toxic solution proven effective in termite removal from house structures. The product is sprinkled over infected areas and works by drying out the insects. You can also use this preventively by mixing it with water and applying it on house wood surfaces.
Fossilized algae in DE presents a barrier when applied to walls, floors, ceilings, and the house foundation, deterring termite invasion. Vigilance and combining DE with other preventive measures are vital.

Cardboard Traps
A cardboard bait system is placed in termite-infested areas of the house where they naturally feed on the moist cardboard’s cellulose. This method is more effective with subterranean termites. Such traps mainly serve to gauge infestation levels rather than eliminate the problem fully. However, combined with professional treatments, their efficacy improves.

DIY home remedies such as borax, orange oil, wet cardboard traps, DE, and soap and water have limited success in eradicating full termite colonies inside the house. They might kill small numbers with direct contact but won’t fully remove infestations.

Termite-proof barriers and professional extermination provide comprehensive population elimination and lasting house protection. Experts detect issues rapidly and respond immediately with effective house-safe solutions.

While Oklahoma City professional termite control may require a bigger upfront investment, the success rate is higher and assures long-term results, minimizing risks through careful application.

You may also like...