How to get rid of termites

It’s not uncommon for them to be mistaken for flying ants. Avoid this by looking at their wings. Unlike ants, the wings of termites are always the same size. If you have other insects bugging you, looking into how to use insecticides might be beneficial. If you aren’t sure what you are dealing with yet, these tips might help you to identify if you have a termite problem.

• Termites create new colonies by shedding their wings so look out for a pile of them.
• Clicking sounds from inside the walls could be a sign of termites. When detecting a threat, they let others know by banging against the wood.
• Look out for small granules on wooden structures. It may be droppings known as frass
• Knock on wood, it shouldn’t sound hollow.

Living in the UK means you don’t have to really worry about a termite infestation, however it’s good to know about the different types. Drywood termites and subterranean termites are two of the most common types.  Depending on the type, using different treatments to get rid of termites is key. 

• Drywood termites can live solely in wood with a colony of up to 2,500 members and can be found in more tropical climates and in coastal regions as they do not like freezing temperatures.
• Subterranean termites need soil to live. They make their way to your house through mud tunnels. Their colonies can be as large as one million strong.  This type can be found across the country and can thrive in all sorts of climates. 

Be it in your home or garden, we have listed a couple of things that you can do to get rid of termites.

• Sources claim you can use boric acid for inside your home, on walls and floors or as a spot treatment.
• Use termite extinguishing products on the facade of your house.
• Set up termite bait trays to trap and kill them.
• Beneficial Nematodes, also known as roundworms, are a natural parasite that poison the termites’ blood, killing them. You can apply a mixture to an infested area in your garden by mixing nematodes, potting soil, and cold water, according to recommendations online. 

Prevention is better than cure. There are a couple of things that you can do to make it more difficult for termites to feast on your wood.

• Use treated wood for your building projects.
• Check newly bought furniture for small holes before bringing it into your home. 
• Keep wooden structures caulked and well painted.
• Stash firewood and lumber away from your house, making sure that it’s not in direct contact with the floor.

If you have a significant problem with termites, we recommend getting in a professional pest control company to help you out! We hope you found this guide informative and know the best ways to get rid of termites for good. For more tips and handy information check out our other articles such as how to use insecticides, how to dispose of paint and what to do with old socks.