How to control termites

Overview
Every year, termites cause losses worth billions of dollars worldwide. Termites destroy structures and the treatment costs can be high.
How to identify termites
Termites are small, pale, soft-bodied insects that are often mistaken for ants. Here are some ways to identify termites:
Look at their wings: Termites have four wings that are of equal length and size. Their wings are also longer than their body. Swarming termites will shed their wings after mating, so you may see discarded wings around your home.
Check for a straight waist: Termites have a straight waist, whereas ants have a pinched waist.
Look for antennae: Termites have straight antennae that are beaded in appearance, while ants have elbowed antennae.
Check for color: Termites are generally a pale or light color, while ants can range in color from black to brown to red.
Check for damage: If you suspect that you have termites, look for damage to wood structures in your home. Termites will eat the wood from the inside out, leaving a honeycomb pattern of tunnels and chambers.
How to know if you have a termite infestation
Knowing the signs of a pest infestation will help you keep pests at bay. There are several signs that will let you know that you have a termite infestation. The signs include:
- Termite droppings: Termites produce tiny, pellet-like droppings that are called frass. Frass can be found near termite tunnels or on the ground near infested wood. Frass is a sign of an active termite infestation and should be taken seriously.
- Discarded wings: After mating, swarming termites will shed their wings. These wings can be found near windows, doors, or other sources of light. Discarded wings are a sign that termites are present and breeding in the area.
- Swarming termites: During the onset of rains, termites will swarm in large groups to mate and start new colonies. The swarmers (Kumbe Kumbe) are typically winged, and they can be mistaken for flying ants. However, there are some key differences between swarming termites and ants that can help you tell them apart. For example, termite wings are all of equal length and size, while ant wings are unequal in length. Also, termite wings are longer than their body, while ant wings are shorter than their body.
- Wood damage: Termites feed on wood from the inside out, so you may not notice an infestation until the damage is already extensive. However, there are some signs of termite damage to look out for, such as hollow-sounding or soft wood, cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces.
- Mud tubes on the inside or outside of your home. Mud tubes are pencil-sized tunnels made of soil and wood that termites use to travel from their colony to their food source.
If you are unsure if you have termites or not, it is best to contact a professional pest control company like Agile Pest Control Company to inspect your home. Termite infestations can cause serious damage to your home, so it’s best to address the problem as soon as possible.
How to prevent termite infestation
There are several things you can do to prevent a termite infestation.
- Fix moisture problems: Termites thrive in moist environments, so it’s important to fix any moisture problems in and around your home. This includes repairing leaky pipes and faucets, ensuring proper drainage around the foundation of your home, and fixing any roof leaks or other water issues.
- Remove sources of wood and cellulose: Termites are attracted to wood and other cellulose-based materials, so it’s important to remove any potential sources of food. This includes firewood, lumber, and any other wood-based items that are in direct contact with the soil.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Termites can enter your home through even the tiniest cracks and gaps in your foundation, walls, and roof. Seal these up with caulk or any other good sealant to prevent them from getting inside.
- Install termite barriers: A termite barrier is a physical barrier that is installed around the perimeter of your home to prevent termites from entering. This can be made from materials such as stainless-steel mesh or termite-resistant wood.
- Use mulch sparingly: Mulch is often used around the base of plants and shrubs to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth. However, it can also attract termites, so it’s important to use it sparingly and keep it at least 6 inches away from the foundation of your home.
- Keep gutters clean: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool near the foundation of your home, which can attract termites. Make sure to clean your gutters regularly to prevent this from happening.
- Have regular termite inspections: It’s a good idea to have your home inspected for termites on a regular basis. A professional pest control company can detect signs of termites early and prevent a small infestation from turning into a major problem.
Termites are one of the top five household pests in Kenya; therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to keep them at bay. By taking these steps, you can help prevent termite infestations and protect your home from costly damage.
Types of termite treatments
1. Non-chemical treatments
There are several non-chemical termite treatment options that you can consider:
- Heat treatment: This involves heating the infested area to a temperature that is lethal to termites. Heat treatment is an effective way to eliminate termites without the use of chemicals.
- Cold treatment: This involves cooling the infested area to a temperature that is lethal to termites. Cold treatment can be effective, but it may take longer than other treatment methods.
- Electro-Gun: This involves using an electro-generating device to shock and kill termites. The electro-gun is a non-toxic option that does not require the use of chemicals.
- Borate treatments: Borate is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used as a termite treatment. It is applied directly to wood and is effective in preventing termite infestations.
- Nematodes: Nematodes are tiny worms that are used to control termites naturally. They are injected into the soil around the foundation of your home, where they will prey on termites and other pests.
- Baiting: Baiting involves placing non-toxic bait stations around your home to attract termites. Once the termites have been attracted to the bait, it can be removed and replaced with a toxic bait that will eliminate the colony.
These non-chemical termite treatments can be effective, but it’s important to note that they may not be as effective as chemical treatments. It’s also important to work with a professional pest control company to determine which treatment option is best for your specific situation.
2. Chemical treatments
Chemical treatment is one of the most common and effective ways to treat termite infestations. Termidor 96SC (Active Ingredient – Fipronil 96g/L), Premise 200SC (Active Ingredient – Imidacloprid 200g/L), Metro 200SC (Active Ingredient – Imidacloprid 200g/L), Undertaker 480 EC (Active Ingredient – Chlorpyrifos 480g/L), and Gladiator 4TC (Active Ingredient – Chlorpyrifos 480g/L) are some of pesticides you can you to control termites. Here are some common types of chemical treatments for termites:
- Soil treatment: This involves applying a liquid termiticide to the soil around the foundation of your home. The termiticide will create a barrier that will prevent termites from entering your home.
- Wood treatment: This involves applying a liquid termiticide directly to infested wood. The termiticide will penetrate the wood and kill the termites.
- Foam treatment: This involves injecting a foam termiticide into infested areas. The foam will expand to fill the area and kill the termites.
- Baiting: This involves placing toxic bait stations around your home to attract termites. Once the termites have been attracted to the bait, they will take it back to the colony and share it with the other termites, ultimately leading to the elimination of the colony.
- Fumigation: This is a more extreme form of termite treatment that involves covering your home with a tent and filling it with a gas that will kill termites. Fumigation is typically used for severe infestations.
Chemical treatments can be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly. Therefore, it’s crucial to work with a licensed pest control professional who is trained in the safe use of these chemicals. Additionally, it’s important to follow all instructions and safety precautions provided by the pest control company.
Termites can cause huge losses if they are not identified and controlled. Having skills in identifying termites
can save you from huge losses associated with a termite infestation.
Choose Agile Pest Control
Agile Pest Control Company provides excellent termite control services in Kenya. If you suspect you have a termite problem, reach out to Agile Pest Control.