How to Kill and Prevent Termites in Wood

Are you wondering how to kill termites in wood? Well, you’re not alone. Most people struggle to get rid of these pests. For one, termites are ranked as the most destructive insects in the U.S., destroying properties worth $5 billion annually.

Even worse, there’s no insurance against termite damage.

It’s true that the best solution is to take preventive measures. But sometimes, that can be too late. Termites live inside the wood, so they can invade your home without you knowing. They’re drawn to food sources like wood piles, wooden structures, and tree stumps around your house.

So, how do you know you have a termite infestation? Check for tell-tale signs like mud tubes and discarded wings around your house. If you notice these markers, take quick action to kill the termites before they destroy your house.

Here’s how to kill termites in the wood around your house.

1. Boric acid

Boric acid is a white substance containing boron, hydrogen, and oxygen. People use it to kill various pests at home, including cockroaches, ants, and termites. The acid comes in the form of powder and crystals. To use it as an insecticide, dissolve it in water and spray it on the areas where you suspect termites may be living.

A small amount of boric acid isn’t harmful to humans because some people use it to treat skin conditions. But for insects, it affects their metabolism. Also, it has an abrasive effect that destroys their outer shell. Since termites have soft skin, the acid dehydrates them, leading to death.

2. Termiticide

Termiticides are insecticides made specifically for termites. You can use the substance to kill and prevent termites. Here’s how to kill termites in wood using this chemical:

First, drill holes in the wood at intervals of about 10 inches. One of those holes may hit the termite colony. Fill the holes with termiticide and cover them with putty.

3. Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms that attack various insects, including termites. They live in moist soils, making them ideal for subterranean termite control. Considering their small size, you can mix the nematodes with water and spray them on the termites.

But since the nematodes like moist areas, you should apply them early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun isn’t too hot. You can also moisten the soil or make it dry to help the nematodes thrive. They usually get inside the insects through openings in the skin. Once inside, they multiply and release toxins that kill the host within a day or two.

4. Termite Baits

You can use termite baits to monitor for and prevent termites. A pest control company can help set the baits. Usually, pest exterminators use an enticement to attract termites, like cardboard, wood, or paper. Then they set several baits around your house.

Notably, the traps don’t need to have termiticide. First, the traps help to tell whether there’s any termite activity underground.

If you discover termites using these baits, you can then apply insecticide. Slow-acting termiticide spreads from one termite to another. Eventually, it kills all of the termites in the colony.

How to Prevent Termites

Now that you know how to kill termites in wood, you must understand that it’s better to prevent a future invasion. But how do you do that? Preventing future invasions is simple and may not cost you much.

Here are a few tips:

• Avoid keeping wood on the soil – Subterranean termites live in the soil. So any piece of wood in contact with the soil attracts the pests. Also, keep firewood further away from the house because the logs might already have termites.
• Avoid moisture – Termites love moisture and can’t survive without it. As a result, make sure there is no standing water around your home. Check the roof and the gutters for any leaks.
• Schedule an inspection – If you see any signs of termites, call pest control services for a thorough inspection. Remember, you might not notice a termite infestation until the pests have done substantial damage.
• Remove wood materials from your yard – Wood materials include mulch, wood chips, and tree stumps. If you must use a wooden fence, treat the wood before using it.

Call the Pest Control Professionals at McDonald Pest Control

Though using DIY methods to eliminate termites may seem enticing, your best course of action is to call a pest control company, like McDonald Pest Control. Our pest control team has years of experience treating, preventing, and eliminating termite infestations for residential and commercial clients.

McDonald Pest Control can help with termite treatments and prevention. We use professional bait systems and fumigation methods to kill all types of termites.

Call us today if you need a termite inspection, treatment, or guidance on prevention measures.