The first step is working with a pest control company to develop an effective Knoxville Termite Control plan. This includes receiving regular (annual) termite inspections and addressing conditions that promote an infestation.
Chemical treatments include spraying liquid termiticides on the foundation and soil around a building. Other options are bait stations, which contain cellulose-based materials and termite-attracting chemicals.
Termite Inspection
The termite inspection process is an essential part of any pest control plan. The goal is to prevent or stop termite damage before it becomes too serious. A certified professional will examine every nook and cranny of your home, looking for mud tubes, wood damage, and other signs of the pests. They will also point out maintenance issues that could attract them, such as leaky plumbing. Ideally, homeowners should have this done before they put their homes on the market. Lenders often require a certified termite inspection before they will lend money to a buyer.
A trained termite inspector will use a variety of tools, including moisture meters, to get a good look at your walls. They will particularly pay attention to areas that are likely to be affected by dampness, like bathrooms and kitchens, because termites love moisture and can cause significant structural damage in a short amount of time. They will also use a borescope, which allows them to see inside of walls without having to cut into the structure.
Another key tool that a termite exterminator will use is a specialized radar device called a thermocouple, which can detect heat variations in wood. This can be a strong indication that there are termites feeding on it.
When the inspector is done, they will provide a report that includes their findings and recommend any necessary treatment. Typically, treatment will involve putting down a chemical barrier around the property’s perimeter. This is a way to prevent the pests from getting into your house and will protect it for years to come. The chemicals used in the barrier are called termiticides, and they can have varying effects on the pests, from killing them all at once to slowing their growth.
Homeowners can prepare for their termite inspection by clearing out any spaces in their garage or basement where items might block access. They should also move any furniture away from walls, particularly in the attic or basement, so that the inspector has unobstructed visibility. This will make it easier for them to spot any evidence of termites or their work, such as mud tubes.
Termite Bait Stations
Termite bait stations are designed to contain wood and termite-attracting materials inside, plus a chemical that will be introduced to the termite colony. This type of termite treatment works by trapping the termites within a bait station where they can’t escape or hide from predators and are exposed to toxic chemicals that will destroy them. Termite bait stations are more environmentally friendly than liquid treatments and also can be used on property with less ground cover.
Bait stations are not visible to the naked eye and must be inspected regularly. During an inspection, the technician will check the level of the bait and replace as needed. The location of each bait station will be determined by the termite colony’s foraging patterns and the presence of other possible food sources like trees or stumps. Typically, bait stations are placed around a structure’s foundation and at regular intervals around the property. They can also be positioned near woodpiles and tree stumps to increase their effectiveness.
Once a termite has discovered and consumed the bait, it will mark the site with pheromones to encourage others of its colony to forage there as well. Once a critical mass of termites is present, they will be poisoned by the chemicals in the bait stations and the death of individual workers will gradually starve the colony and eventually result in its suppression or decline.
When properly installed and monitored, a termite baiting system can be as effective as liquid treatments at eliminating a termite infestation. However, it’s important to remember that termite baiting systems are not a quick or instant solution to the problem and require patience in waiting for results.
It is very important that homeowners who have a termite control contract that includes the use of bait stations keep their appointments for monthly inspections. These inspections will ensure that the termite baiting system is working properly and that if termites are found they can be treated immediately. It is also recommended that homeowners keep a log of their own monthly observations to help with tracking the progress of the termite treatment.
Termite Treatment
Once a termite infestation is confirmed, you will need to engage in a termite treatment process to eradicate the termites and protect your home. This will require a bona fide professional (never try a do-it-yourself spray bottle of “home remedies”).
A trench is dug around the foundation footing and then treated with top quality, EPA regulated termiticide materials. The soil is then backfilled, which creates a barrier to prevent future termite infiltration. Other methods of treatment involve drilling and injecting a non-repellent liquid termiticide into the soil or masonry. Injections are usually performed under the concrete slab of a foundation and in the cinder block voids, and may be supplemented with bait stations. The termiticides that are used for these treatments include Phantom and Bora Care, both of which are highly effective, safe for your family and pets, and last the life of the wood they treat when properly applied.
Other termite treatments include foaming, sanding and fumigation. All of these options are highly effective and safely administered by a trained technician. However, it is very important to choose a company that is experienced in the type of treatment you need, and will take the time to fully inspect your property. It is better to pay a bit more for an educated, thorough service than to end up with a botched job that will cost you even more money to fix.
Termite prevention is almost always less expensive than treating for an existing infestation and repairing the damage. In addition to working with a reputable pest control company, you can minimize the chances of a termite infestation by:
Store firewood away from your home. Mulch should never be placed against your foundation walls, and a 4-inch clearance between the mulch and your foundation wall is preferred. Make sure gutters and downspouts are functioning well, and that soil is draining away from the foundation. Avoid thick shrubs and vegetation that can trap moisture against the siding of your house.
A yearly inspection by a qualified pest control company is the best way to catch an existing termite infestation in its early stages, and proactively prevent a future problem. By reducing the opportunities for termites to attack your home, you can reduce the risk of costly repairs.
Termite Prevention
Termites cause a lot of damage and it can be expensive to fix. Prevention is essential and there are several methods that are employed to keep these pests away. Regular inspections are the first step. Vigilance and early detection by both professional inspectors and property owners can minimize the potential damage. Once an infestation is detected, rapid action must be taken. A variety of treatment options, including wood treatments, bait systems, and chemical treatments, are available to control the situation.
During the construction of new homes, preventative termite measures can be implemented. Using liquid residual preconstruction treatments in the soil can help to avoid subterranean termite infestations. These treatments are usually applied prior to the slab being poured. Termite barriers that surround and under a home’s foundation can also be effective. These are often made from treated synthetic blocks, insulation, or soil.
For existing homes, preventing termite invasions can be less complex. The best prevention method is to prevent access to food and moisture sources for the pests. This includes removing stumps and roots, and not stacking firewood near the house. It is also important to maintain proper ventilation in crawl spaces and under a house’s foundation.
The use of termite-resistant wood, including pressure-treated and borate-treated wood is an effective means of protecting structures against termite infestations. Wood treatments such as borates are absorbed into the wood, preserving it and creating a barrier that termites cannot penetrate.
Another option for protecting existing woodwork from termite attack is the use of a termite bait, which contains cellulose, a substance that attracts and kills these insects. When the termites ingest the bait, they bring it back to their colonies and share it with other members of the colony. The poison within the bait acts like a virus, causing the death of other termites who consume it.
Even with the best preventative measures, a termite infestation can occur. Termite control services should be provided by a pest control company with extensive experience in this field. It is vital that a thorough inspection be done to ensure the infestation is controlled. It is also important to have regular or annual termite treatment services.