Signs of Termites in Yard

May 22, 2019

According to Orkin and their termite statistics, over half a million homes in the U.S. alone get damaged by termites. On average property owners are not aware that that a propery’s backyard is where termites can colonize and make a living space first, making them hard to get rid of when reaching the property. Before matters get worse, learn quick signs to discover termites in your yard.

If you think termites might be present in your yard or property, there are some signs to be aware of. Termite poop, hollow wood, and rotting wood are some of the more common known signs of termites. From online home and pest control exerpts, the following list are common starting points to see if termites are present.

Signs of Termites in Yard

Termite Poop

Frass looks like salt and pepper. If there is a pile of this kind of mixture found outside near the base of your home or by the base of a tree, this could be a give away of where termites are originating.

Termite Wings

After a termite mates, it sheds its wings either right away, within a few hours or a couple of days after mating. Finding small translucent wings can possibly lead you towards a swarm or a trail to find where the termites are laying their eggs.

Hollow Wood

This is the easiest test that homeowners usually say is very accurate a majority of the time. If you knock on a tree in your yard or on the wooden parts of the exterior wall near the foundation of the home and it sounds hollow or empty, then it is possible that termites have infested and attacked the inside already.

Mud Tunnels

When termites are having a difficult time finding their way through a material like brick or concrete to get to their desired destination, termites can form a tunnel with mud, frass and saliva. These can usually be found by the base or foundation of the home.

Nests

Some termites make nests that look similar to a large muddy cocoon or a mosquitoes nest that is attached to a tree.

Dead Wood

Termites will initially be attracted to wood or moist wood debris that is close to the home. If there are piles of firewood or dead tree trunks near the home, be sure to check these and remove the ones that are infested by termites and kill the termites via flame.

Rotting Wood

Wood that has been exposed to moisture and bacteria really appeal to the appetite of termites. Be sure to check door and window frames that can be exposed to wet weather. Gutters that leak on the roof or home exterior can cause wood to rot on the home and need to be repaired. If the home has a pool, fountain or any water features outside, the surrounding areas need to be checked, especially if there is wood, soil or both. Learn how to check if wood has signs of rotting.

Electric Homes

Any exterior fuse boxes or electrical fixtures are common hiding places for termites. Open and examine fuse boxes, meters, electrical lines, exterior outlets or pipes for air conditioning for wings, frass or swarmers.

To Summarize

Termites have a will and they will find a way when they sense that food or a new home is near. Looking for signs of termites in the yard and living spaces will help you better identify their presence and activity.

Termites in House?

Regularily check your property for termites is more common than you think. Once termites infitrate the property, damage can be excel to an alarming rate, making repairs and extermination more costly and prolong the timeline to complete the job.

Home Remedies to Kill Termites

April 9, 2019

The infestation of termites can make your furniture items useless very soon, unless you try to kill them. Termites can invade your home throughout the year as they are not seasonal. Basically, there are five types of termites including Conehead, Drywood, Formosan, Dampwood and Subterranean, but your furniture is commonly destroyed by drywood termites. While planning to kill termites you should be aware of some home remedies to kill termites. The home remedies in this article aim to help you in killing the termites effectively.

Home Remedies to Kill Termites

Use Orange Oil:

This oil can be used to eliminate termites effectively if their infestation is confined to a limited area. It is one of the inexpensive ways to get rid of termites as this oil is extracted from the peel of orange fruits.

Spray Soapy Water:

By spraying soapy water on termites you can kill them effectively as it will make it hard for them to breathe in by making their outer shell resistant. Thus ultimately they will die. However, this method works at the surface, as it won’t kill the termites you don’t get to spray.

Spray Clove Oil:

One of the harmless and natural remedies to kill termites along with other insects is clove oil. You can mix a few drops of clove oil in water filled in a spray bottle. With clove oil, you can easily get rid of termites by spraying this solution on the affected area.

Trap Termites In Cardboard:

You can trap termites effectively and easily by using wet cardboard. The cellulose present in the cardboard will attract termites as they are fond of cellulose. When you will place this cardboard near affected area termites will start damaging it. You can use an insecticide to kill them when they are accumulated in high numbers on the cardboard.

Trap termites with Canola Oil:

you can eradicate termites from your home effectively by using Canola oil. It has been proved through a study that termites may not survive after 2-3 days if they are put in a solution of water and canola oil. This oil can be used to kill not only termites but various other insects also.

Use of Garlic Oil:

The insecticidal properties of garlic can help in killing even a severe infestation of termites. You can spray the mixture of garlic oil and water in the affected area to kill them effectively.

Flood the Soil:

A flood of water can also kill the colonies of termites if they have infested the garden soil. They may leave the place after getting frustrated by the destruction of their colonies.

Electrocution:

The severe infestation of termites can also be eliminated effectively by electrocuting the items they are infested in. the entire colony of termites infested in a wooden item can be killed by passing high voltage current through it.

Final Words

By reading this write-up you will know various home remedies to kill termites. Using these Methods will help you get rid of them effectively and affordably. You need to get rid of termites as soon as possible as you already know how the presence of termites in your home can harm you.

How to Stop a Pest Infestation

March 21, 2019

If you didn’t know, you really should not share you home with pests, as it can be very unsanitary. As a homeowner, it is your duty to kill the pests and get rid of them. So, you’ll need to know how to stop a pest infestation in case some make their way into your home. There are various kinds of pest removal methods for different kinds of pests. Spiders, ants, mosquitoes and cockroaches are the normal pests. Below are some simple steps in order to get rid of them, and stop the pests from entering your house. These steps are:

Clean Your Home Regularly

You will have to keep your home clean by doing routine dusting, sweeping and mopping. These all are essential to remove each and every dirt particle from your house. Food particles can attract pests and rodents. So, you will have to clean your dinning space and kitchen every day. The pests will start to feel comfortable and relax in the dirty, filthy and unhygienic environment. So, you will have to clean your home regularly to prevent this.

Wash Properly

You will have to wash the bed sheets, curtains, cushion covers, carpets and rugs regularly. You should use warm water and soap mixture in this regard. You need to wash and clean your utensils also. Bed bugs and fleas can live in your clothes. So, you will have to wash your clothes properly. Also, you can put the carpets and mattress under the sun in order to kill the germs.

Keep all Foods Covered

You should not keep your foods open. Open food and its smell can attract the attention of ants and cockroaches. These insects carry harmful diseases with them. You should not keep rotten vegetables and soft and mushy fruits, instead throw them out. You will have to seal all food jars and containers in order to keep away ants and cockroaches.

Seal Holes and Cracks

Pests need small and tiny places to enter your homes and destroy your valuable appliances and furniture. If you find any kinds of tiny holes and cracks, you should seal them immediately.

Empty the Garbage Bin Regularly

You will have to empty your garbage bin regularly. The waste can also attract the pests. So, you will have to clean your garbage bin regularly. The clean and clear garbage bin can protect your health.

Keep the Sink Empty

It’s important to not let dishes and utensils pile up in the sink. Not only can it be a breeding ground for bacteria, it will attract pests to your home. The night is the party time for cockroaches and ants. So, you will have to wash your dishes every night to prevent them from filling up the sink.

In Conclusion

Now you know how to stop a pest infestation. These simple steps can stop the breeding power of pests. You can practice these useful methods in your home to protect your house and health as well.