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Termites are silent destroyers, causing billions of dollars in damage to homes and properties each year. At Arizona Termite Control, we understand the importance of protecting your investment, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to kill termites. Read on to learn more about identifying termites, common types, DIY methods, and when to call in the professionals.

Identifying Termites

Before you can effectively tackle a termite problem, it’s crucial to know what you’re dealing with. Termites can often be mistaken for ants, but there are some key differences to look for:

• Termites have straight antennae, while ants’ antennae are elbowed.
• Termites have broad waists, while ants have a narrow, pinched waist.
• Termites have wings of equal length, while ants have wings of different lengths.

Click here to read our full, in depth guide (with photos), on what termites look like.

Common Types of Termites

There are three main types of termites that you should be aware of: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive type found in the United States. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to access food sources above ground. Termite inspections are crucial for detecting these pests before they cause significant damage.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites don’t require contact with soil and can infest wooden structures directly. They create colonies within wood, making it essential to use termite pest control methods like fumigation to eliminate them.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites prefer wood with high moisture content and are usually found in damp or decaying wood. Proper ventilation and moisture control are key to preventing these pests.

How to Kill Termites: DIY Methods

While professional help is often needed to eliminate termites, there are some DIY methods you can try:

Liquid Termiticides

Liquid termiticides are chemical treatments that can be applied to the soil around your home. These chemicals create a barrier that termites cannot cross, killing them upon contact.

Below is a list of some popular liquid termite killers available for DIYers:

1. Taurus SC Termiticide: Taurus SC is a popular non-repellent termiticide containing Fipronil as its active ingredient. It is effective against various termite species and can be used as a barrier treatment around the perimeter of your home.
2. Termidor SC Termiticide: Termidor SC is a widely used professional-grade termiticide that contains Fipronil. It’s highly effective against termites and is known for its long-lasting protection.
3. Spectracide Terminate Termite Killing Foam: This easy-to-use aerosol foam expands to fill gaps and crevices where termites may be hiding. It contains the active ingredient Prallethrin, which kills termites on contact.
4. Bifen IT: Bifen IT is a versatile insecticide that contains Bifenthrin as its active ingredient. It can be used to treat a wide range of pests, including termites, and can be applied as a barrier treatment around your home.
5. Dominion 2L Termiticide: Dominion 2L is a non-repellent termiticide that contains Imidacloprid as its active ingredient. It’s effective against various termite species and can be used for both pre- and post-construction treatments.
6. Cyper TC: Cyper TC is a termiticide containing Cypermethrin as its active ingredient. It’s a repellent termiticide, which means it creates a barrier that termites won’t cross, effectively preventing them from reaching your home.

Remember that when using any chemical treatment, it’s essential to follow the product’s label instructions and safety guidelines. If you’re unsure about how to use a particular product or if your termite problem is severe, it’s always best to consult with a professional like Arizona Termite Control.

Baiting Systems

Baiting systems involve placing bait stations around your property. The termites consume the bait, which contains a slow-acting insecticide, and bring it back to their colony, eventually killing the entire colony.

Here is a list of popular termite baiting systems that DIYers can purchase:

1. Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes: This baiting system includes stakes with bait cartridges that are placed around the perimeter of your home. Termites are attracted to the bait, which contains hexaflumuron, an insect growth regulator that disrupts their growth and reproduction.
2. Advance Termite Bait System: This professional-grade baiting system features bait stations placed strategically around your property. The bait contains diflubenzuron, an insect growth regulator that prevents termites from molting, eventually leading to their death.
3. BASF Trelona Compressed Termite Bait: Trelona is a termite bait containing novaluron, an insect growth regulator that disrupts the termites’ growth and reproduction. This bait can be used in bait stations placed around your property.
4. HexPro Termite Baiting System: The HexPro baiting system uses Shatter™ termite bait, which contains hexaflumuron. The bait stations are placed around your home to attract and eliminate termites.
5. Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System: Sentricon is a popular baiting system used by professionals, but homeowners can also purchase the bait stations and use them for DIY termite control. The bait contains noviflumuron, which affects the termites’ ability to molt and reproduce.

When using termite baiting systems, it’s essential to monitor the bait stations regularly and replace the bait as needed. If you’re unsure about how to use a particular baiting system or if your termite problem is severe, it’s always best to consult with a professional like Arizona Termite Control.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a natural pesticide that can be applied directly to infested wood or used as a spray. It works by damaging the termite’s digestive system, eventually killing them.

Here’s a list of popular boric acid products that DIYers can purchase for termite control:

1. Bora-Care: Bora-Care is a concentrated borate-based product that can be mixed with water and applied directly to wood surfaces. It penetrates the wood, providing long-lasting protection against termites and other wood-destroying insects.
2. Tim-Bor Professional: Tim-Bor Professional is another borate-based product that can be mixed with water and applied to wood surfaces. It’s effective against various wood-destroying insects, including termites.
3. Nibor-D: Nibor-D is a borate-based powder that can be mixed with water and applied as a spray, foam, or mop solution. It’s designed for use on wood, concrete, and other surfaces to protect against termites and other pests.
4. Zap-A-Roach Boric Acid: Zap-A-Roach is a boric acid powder that can be applied directly to areas where termites are present or in cracks and crevices where they may enter your home.
5. Harris Termite Treatment and Mold Killer: This product is a boric acid-based powder that can be mixed with water and applied to wood surfaces to protect against termites and prevent mold growth.

When using boric acid products for termite control, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Keep in mind that boric acid treatments may not be sufficient for severe infestations or certain types of termites. In these cases, it’s best to consult with a professional like Arizona Termite Control.

Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like organisms that can be introduced into the soil around your home. They seek out and infest termite colonies, killing them from the inside. Nematodes, specifically beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes, are a natural and environmentally friendly option for controlling termites.

Here’s a list of popular nematode products that DIYers can purchase for termite control:

1. BioLogic Scanmask Steinernema feltiae Nematodes: These nematodes are effective against a wide range of pests, including termites. They can be mixed with water and applied to the soil around your home or other infested areas.
2. NemaSeek Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Nematodes: These nematodes are specifically known for their ability to target and eliminate subterranean termites. They can be applied to the soil around your property to target termite colonies.
3. Arbico Organics Beneficial Nematodes: Arbico Organics offers a variety of nematode species, including Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, which are effective against termites. The nematodes can be applied to the soil around your home or other infested areas.
4. Orcon Beneficial Nematodes: Orcon offers various nematode species, including Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, which can target and eliminate termites. They can be applied to the soil around your home or other infested areas.

When using nematodes for termite control, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and storage. Keep in mind that nematodes may not be sufficient for severe infestations or certain types of termites. In these cases, it’s best to consult with a professional like Arizona Termite Control.

While DIY methods can help in some cases, they may not be sufficient for severe infestations or certain types of termites. In these situations, it’s essential to call in professionals for termite preventative treatment.

When to Call the Professionals

If you’ve tried DIY methods without success, or if you suspect a large infestation, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Arizona Termite Control, we offer services tailored to your needs, from termite control for rental properties to commercial termite control. Our experienced technicians can assess your situation and recommend the most effective treatment options.

Preventing Future Infestations

Prevention is key to avoiding future termite problems. Here are some steps you can take to protect your property:

• Schedule regular termite inspections.
• Keep wood and lumber away from your home’s foundation.
• Ensure proper ventilation and moisture control.
• Seal cracks and openings in your home’s foundation.
• Maintain a barrier between wood structures and the soil.

FAQ

1. What are the signs of a termite infestation?

Signs of a termite infestation include mud tubes, wood damage, discarded wings, termite droppings, and the presence of live termites.

2. Can termites cause structural damage to my home?

Yes, termites can cause significant structural damage to your home if left untreated. They can weaken support beams, floor joists, and other wooden structures.

3. Are DIY termite treatments effective?

DIY termite treatments can be effective in some cases, but they may not be sufficient for severe infestations or certain types of termites. Professional help is often necessary to eliminate termites completely.

4. How often should I have my home inspected for termites?

We recommend having your home inspected for termites at least once a year, or more frequently if you live in an area with a high risk of infestation.

5. What is the best method for preventing termites?

The best method for preventing termites is to maintain a barrier between wood structures and the soil, ensure proper ventilation and moisture control, and schedule regular termite inspections.

Conclusion

Termites are a serious threat to your home and property, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively combat these destructive pests. Whether you’re using DIY methods or calling in professionals like us at Arizona Termite Control, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage. Don’t wait for termites to take over your home – call us at 480-660-3093 or request an inspection today!