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Everything You Need To Know About DIY Termite TreatmentsSubterranean termite infestations can be treated DIY by using a combination of chemical barriers and localized treatments within the structure. The localized treatment will quickly eliminate the infestations that are already present in the home, and the chemical barrier will prevent future infestations and also kill off current infestations that cannot be treated using a localized method, but it will take longer to fully eliminate the termites inside the wood.

What is the best DIY control option for drywood termite infestations?

Localized dust or foam injections are the best DIY control options against drywood termite infestations. Although dust treatments take a while to work, they are very effective, because you can eradicate an entire infestation by simply getting dust on a few workers.

What are the different termite species that can infest a home?

There are three main termites species that infest homes in the US: subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. There are many subspecies that can belong to these three primary species, with each subspecies being somewhat differentiated in its biology, behavior, and economic impact. Subterranean termite colonies are found in the soil, and they will enter homes to eat cellulose-rich materials, such as the wood found in foundations and walls. They can easily penetrate wood that is in direct contact with ground, and they can use mud tubes to reach wood that is above the ground.

Drywood termites on the other hand will build their colonies directly in the wood. This allows them to reach areas of the home that are often inaccessible to subterranean termites, being able to build colonies in the roof or in various pieces of furniture. The nature of their colonies also affects the treatment options that you have at your disposal. Dampwood termites are similar to drywood termites, but they prefer wood with high moisture levels. This makes them less prone to infest homes, since most of the wood inside of a home is dry. However, if there is a leak or water damage in the home, these termites may show up.

What is the difference between a professional and a DIY treatment?

The first main difference is the cost. Professional treatments can cost two or three times more than a DIY treatment. However, hiring a professional is a great option when you are dealing with an infestation that is hard to treat, because it will ensure that the infestation is completely removed, and the treatment is applied only once. If you are going with the DIY route, and you do not have a lot of experience, you may have to reapply the treatment once or twice, which eventually evens out in cost with a professional treatment. If you would like to find out more about professional termite control services, or if you would like to set up a termite control appointment, contact us today.