Give these hungry bugs the boot with expert advice.
Ilbusca/Getty Images
Termites are someseriouslyhungry critters.
Termites will snack on all kinds of wood materials, magazines, newspapers, cardboard boxes, and more.
Photo:Ilbusca/Getty Images
So once you spot one, you should probably act quickly.
Heres how to get rid of termites safely and effectively.
In general, termites are sometimes mistaken for ants, but Webb says there are some key distinctions.
Western Subterranean Termite.George D. Lepp/Getty Images
(Ants are red, black, or dark brown.)
Termites have straight antennae and ants have elbowed or L-shaped antennae.
Below are the most common species of termites you should look out for.
Drywood Termites.Cherdchanok Treevanchai/Getty Images
They thrive in the damp environment of the soil and will only enter homes only in search of food.
Drywood termites are found commonly in central and southern California, Hawaii, and in central and south Florida.
They are also found sporadically across some western states and along the Gulf Coast.
However, there are some signs you’re able to look for.
Swarms
The most obvious sign of a termite infestation is, well, termites.
If you see swarms of termites in particular emerging from your home, get a pro asap.
Their only job is to start new colonies, Webb says.
Mud Tubes
Another clue is shelter tubes, or mud tubes.
The mud tubes provide shelter and security from temperature extremes and predators, so termites use them exclusively.
Webb says that wood that has been damaged by termites may sound hollow if tapped.
Also pay attention to blisters and soft spots in wood flooring!
Termite droppings are oval and might look like a tiny grain.
Other remnants of termites include discarded wingsthey collectively shed their wings into piles before they start a new colony.
areextremelydifficult to get rid of using just homemade solutions, according to Webb.
Termiticide
There are liquid and foam pesticides you could apply around your home to kill termites.
There are also dust and powder products for even-harder-to-reach cracks.
The termiticides will kill the bugs upon contact and/or theyll spread the poison to their colony.
Most baits are slow-acting, allowing the termites to return to the colony and spread the bait to others.
Physical Barriers
you might create physical barriers to prevent termite entry.
This is essentially trapping the termites with the poison.
Orange oil will kill the termites, while neem oil will stop termites from reproducing.
Nematodes
Yep, this parasite is a powerful agent when it comes to termite destruction.
According to Webb, professionals may use different methods for treating homes.
One would be to create a treated zone in the soil around the house with a liquid treatment material.
In some cases, both types of treatment techniques are used.
There are many other things you could do though to keep mites at bay:
