Termites are nothing less than a nuisance. When it comes to pest infestations, a termite infestation can cost a homeowner way more headaches than any other type of pest infestation. This is because termites feed on cellulose, which is the organic fibrous material present in plants and wood. What this means is that termites can eat your house (literally).
A termite infestation is possible in just about every home because most homes are wood framed. Worst of all, what makes a termite infestation a nightmare is that you won’t even know that they’re there! Since termites are a constant threat, it is important to control these stubborn pests before it’s too late.
If you have immediate Termite issue and your require assistance, please call 604-305-3065, chat with us online, or contact our termite control expert via web form.
TLDR;
- Termites silently damage wood structures and can cost thousands if left untreated
- Common signs include mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings, and frass (termite droppings)
- DIY options like bait stations, borate treatments, and moisture control can help in early stages
- Eliminating moisture and sealing entry points is critical to preventing future infestations
- Severe or widespread infestations usually require professional treatment for full removal
- Regular inspections are the best way to catch termite activity before serious damage occurs
- If you’re unsure, a quick inspection can save you a major headache later on
Or Summarise this article with.
How to Get Rid of Termites
Considering the damage that termites are capable of causing if they’re given half a chance, you need to take action as soon as you’re made aware of their presence.
How To Get Rid Of Termites In The House
Once termites are inside, you’re no longer just “monitoring” the problem. You’re in removal mode.
Start with the basics:
- Locate the activity zones
Check basements, crawl spaces, window frames, and anywhere wood meets soil - Use targeted treatments
Apply liquid termiticides or foam into wall voids and along baseboards where activity shows up - Set bait stations around the perimeter
These work slowly but help wipe out the colony at the source - Cut off moisture
Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and keep wood dry. Termites love damp environments
If the activity spans multiple areas or keeps coming back, it’s usually a colony issue underground. That’s where professional trenching or full barrier treatments come in.
What Attracts Termites?
While wood is a material that attracts termites, there are numerous other factors that can cause a termite infestation in your home.
Drywood termite and dampwood termites, as you can tell by their names, are drawn to dry or moist wood. Subterranean termites require moist soil nearby. They can infest any kind of wood that is in direct contact with the ground. They’re also capable of constructing mud tubes that they use to commute from the soil to the wood. You may not realize that you’re welcoming termites to your home by bringing in untreated furniture or firewood.
Other than wood, termites are also attracted to moisture. They can be drawn to your house through cracks in the walls and wood that is in contact with the foundations of your house.
If your home is located somewhere where the weather is warm and moist, you’re highly likely to experience significant termite activity.
Signs of Termites
Termites are discreet intruders that won’t show signs of their presence – it’s likely that you’ll only know that you’re dealing with termites after a significant amount of damage has been done to your home. However, some signs do indicate that your house may be infested with termites.
- Drooping or discolored drywall
- Peeling paint that may look like water damage
- Wood sounds hollow when tapped
- Small holes in drywall
- Loose tiles
- Buckling laminate or wooden floors
- Squeaky floorboards
- Stuck doors or windows
- Damaged or crumbling wood
- Patterns like a maze on furniture, floors, and walls
- Piles of termite wings
- Mud tubes climbing up to the foundation of your house
- Swarms of flying termites near your property
What Damage Can Termites Cause?
As termites continue feeding on wood, structures weaken, become malformed, and eventually fall or sag due to effects of gravity. Once a structure’s integrity has been affected, water may seep in through the tunnels that the termites have made and will result in additional damage.
Termites search relentlessly for food and can damage drywall, mortar joints, plaster, and even the metal siding of your home. The damage caused by termites can be quite severe, as they can cause damage to structural foundations, which can lead to grave consequences later on!
How to Treat Termites?
While professional termite control can be very costly, there are other termite removal methods that you can employ.
- Use liquid pesticide (termite-specific) to make a liquid barrier around the property, which the termites cannot get past
- Poisoned bait
- Direct chemical treatment, which is suitable for indoor termite treatment
- Using boric acid powder in areas where you suspect termites are present
- Use of beneficial nematodes
- Using powder diatomaceous earth
How to Prevent Termites – Pest Expert’s Tips
The best way to deal with a termite infestation is by stopping the termites from getting into your house in the first place. The expert tips below will help you keep these pests away from your home:
- Reduce or eliminate moisture around and inside your home
- Repair any leaking water pipes, faucets, and exterior AC units
- Repair roof shingles, soffits, and fascia (where termite colonies may form)
- Replace any loose mortar around the windows or near the foundation of the basement
- Get your property inspected routinely for any termite tunnels
- Monitor wooden structures inside and around your home for any visible changes
- Always maintain a gap of 18 inches between wooden surfaces of your home and the soil
- Store firewood at approx 20-25 feet away from your house
Natural Termite Control
Natural termite control methods are the safest way to not only treat termites but also control their spread.
- Nematodes, as mentioned earlier, are parasites that feed on termites and help eliminate them
- Vinegar, when mixed with lemons, kills termites as soon as they come in contact with the solution
- Borax powder
- Orange oil, derived from the peel of an orange, is deadly for termites
- Place wet cardboard and lure all the termites in your home to it. Once you see the wet cardboard full of termites, take it outside and burn it
Professional Termite Control
Professional termite control helps you get rid of termites for good. Trying to do the treatment yourself may not be as effective as professional termite control. If you think the infestation is too widespread, professional termite control is your best bet and just one message away.
Call 604-305-3065, chat with us online, or contact termite control expert via web form.
For Further Learning – watch this video
Westside Pro Tip
If you only remember one thing, make it this:
Termites follow moisture, not just wood.
We’ve seen homeowners replace damaged wood, only to have termites come right back to the exact same spot. Why? The leak behind the wall never got fixed.
Before you treat, ask yourself:
- Is there a slow pipe leak nearby?
- Is this area humid or poorly ventilated?
- Does water pool near the foundation?
Fix the moisture first, then treat the termites. Otherwise you’re rolling out the welcome mat again.
FAQs
How long does it take to get rid of termites?
It depends on the method. Bait systems can take a few weeks to a few months since they rely on termites carrying poison back to the colony. Liquid treatments act faster but still require time to fully eliminate the source. Even after treatment, monitoring matters because new colonies can move in if conditions stay favorable.
Can I get rid of termites myself, or do I need a pro?
You can handle very small or early infestations with store-bought treatments like borates or bait stations. That said, termites are sneaky and often spread beyond what you can see. If you’re finding damage in multiple spots or the activity keeps returning, it’s usually time to bring in a professional to fully eliminate the colony.
Do termites ever come back after treatment?
Yes, they can. Treatment removes the current colony, but it doesn’t make your home permanently termite-proof. If moisture issues, wood-to-soil contact, or entry points are still there, new termites can move in later. Regular inspections and simple prevention steps go a long way in keeping them from coming back.