How to Eliminate Termites in Your San Diego Home?

Types of Termite Treatments

There are several treatment methods that exterminators can use to kill termites in your home. The right treatment for your home depends on many factors, such as the size of your home, the type of termites, and the size of the infestation. A termite professional takes these considerations, including your budget, and comes up with a treatment plan.

Bait Station

Bait stations are used to eradicate subterranean termite infestations. These stations facilitate the location of the exact points of infestation with soil treatments. Bait stations have chemical materials placed in them, and termites ingest the chemicals. The termites carry the toxic material into their colony and it begins to get rid of other termites within the colony.

Termites leave a scent for their colony to come and feed on the chemical material at the bait stations. Depending on the size of the infestation, this can take up to six months to completely get rid of the termite colony.

Termiticide

Termiticides are a spot treatment option for termite infestations. A spot treatment is sprayed on specific areas to kill termites, so it doesn't cover the entire house. Liquid and foam termiticide is applied to soil and wood where termites are found. If termites are found under your home, the exterminator injects the termiticide through pipes to reach the colony. Smaller rods are used when applying termiticide to the walls.

XT-2000 Orange Oil Plus® is a type of termiticide used in homes. Orange oil is a less toxic alternative to other types of termite treatments. It is made from steam distilled citrus peels and contains d-limonene. XT-2000 Orange Oil Plus® is applied by perforating the affected wood. The oil protects the injected areas and nearby sections of treated wood. During the treatment process, owners and pets can remain in their homes because the oil has a low level of toxicity.

Gas Fumigation

Whole house fumigation is used for severe termite infestations and infestations located in hard-to-reach areas. To begin the fumigation process, a tent is placed over your home to trap termites within the structure. It is important that the tent completely seal the house, or the termites can escape and re-infest the house. After the house is sealed, the fumigant is released into the house.

During fumigation time, no one is allowed in the house because the fumigant is toxic to humans, pets, plants, and pests. Homeowners must find a temporary place to stay until the fumigation process is complete. The process can take up to three days or more depending on the size of the house and the weather outside. Before re-entering the home, the termite professional tests each area to make sure it's safe for homeowners to return.

While whole house fumigation is an effective method, homeowners look to other methods because of their hidden costs. Some of the hidden costs of fumigation include:

·      Hotel expenses

·      Pet boarding

·      Replenish all food and medicines left at home

·     Lost wages

·      Clean up and repair

Heat Treatment

Heat treatment is when a termite professional uses heaters to heat your home. This method is used to treat drywood termites that live in the wooden structures of the house. The air temperature should be between 120 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively eradicate termites. The process takes less than an hour compared to fumigation. It allows San Diego homeowners to pay fewer expenses because they only leave their home for about a day.

Do Not Attempt To Eliminate Termites Without The Help Of A Professional!

When you find termites in and around your home, the first thing you should do is contact a San Diego pest control professional. Termite extermination should not be done on your own. There are several reasons why you shouldn't try to treat termites yourself, including:

1. Inspections are necessary- Without the proper equipment and knowledge, you cannot find the location of the colony. Termite professionals know where termites can be found in your home. If not properly exterminated, termites can go elsewhere in your home.
2. It's Difficult Without Professional Tools- Most of the products available to the public will not eliminate termite infestations. You may not realize if the products are not working until you see more termite damage
3. Some products are hazardous- If you use termite treatment products wrong or have excessive exposure, it can affect your health. It is best to call a     professional to use termite treatments in your home.
4. Damage can worsen- After using unhelpful termite products, the damage continues to grow because the termites were not eradicated. In extreme cases, your home may collapse due to very severe termite damage.

How to Prevent Termite Damage to Your Home

Termites are attracted to wood and excess moisture. To keep your San Diego property protected against termite infestations, follow these key tips:

·      Keep water away from your foundation

·      Use mulch properly because of its water-absorbing properties

·      Do not keep wood directly on the ground

·      Treat your home with termiticide by a professional

·      Do not store firewood by foundations and crawlspaces

·      Make sure humidity and moisture are low in crawlspaces

A termite professional helps walk you through the different treatment methods and which one would be the best for your home. Some of these methods may be combined with other treatment methods to ensure the termites are eradicated. If you need a termite professional to assess your San Diego home, contact Triple Threat Termite today! We have free assessments and upfront pricing for our termite removal services.

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