Termites are different from other pest. They cause physical damage that could potentially cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars in damage. If you even suspect a termite infestation, call your local termite control company, but if you are feeling self-motivated, you can do termite control yourself.
Can I treat for termites myself?
In order to answer that question, you must do a few things. First, you need to decide if you want to do it yourself, meaning do you have the time and resources to do so. Second, you need to find out the species of termite that is infesting your home. Finally, you need to consider how complex your home really is.
The cost of DIY termite control can be much lower than having someone come out to your house. Depending on previous companies, you could save hundreds. The chemicals and other traps that the pest control companies use is not restricted against the general population, but most likely they are only available from specialty distributors.
Where do I place bait for termite control and eradication?
The most common location to place termite bait is around the perimeter of the house. If you have a house that allows access underneath, do not place bait there even if you think that’s where the main infestation is located. Crawling under your house to check the bait every month can get really cumbersome and it is just far easier to place them around the outside of your house.
Do not worry about allowing the bait to get wet. It should be part of the natural environment and if it gets wet from rain or from rainwater runoff, that is ok. However, don’t let water pool around the bait. If that is an issue, dig a small trench to allow the water to drain away. Also, don’t place bait in a low area; build small mounds if you have to.
Each bait should be place approximately 10 feet from each other. This is where you need to measure the dimensions of your house and divide by 10 to figure out the approximate number of bait you need to purchase to have full coverage of your house.
Can I have termite bait stations inside my house?
While some companies offer the choice of placing bait inside the house, it is usually a waste of time to do so. Termites already have wood from the exterior walls to feed on and will not usually venture inside the house to find pre-fabricated bait. The only reason to have bait inside the house is if your house is predominately brick or stone on the exterior. If you have even one wall of the house wood, termites will snack on that rather than come inside.
