One of the most damaging pests that can affect a home’s structural integrity and decrease the value of the property is an infestation of termites.
Consequently, it is important to not only maintain the structural integrity of the home but to conserve the value of the home. This is due to the fact that the purchase of a home is probably the most expensive investment that an individual will make in their lifetime.
Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent termite infestation and the various treatments available for a homeowner if termite infestation is suspected or determined.
Prevention
First of all, the old axiom is true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore, it is important to be diligent in regards to preventing termite infestation.
Some of the simple steps that can be taken to deter termites are to ensure that moisture is controlled in various parts of the home. Specifically, those areas of the home that should be kept as dry as possible include attics and basements. To help eliminate moisture it is important to keep the area dry from various leaks and adding proper ventilation to ensure the proper drying out of these areas.
Another way of termite prevention from infesting the home is to follow a soil treatment plan. The process simply involves the treating of the soil around the home through various products. Examples of these products could be Premise or Termidor. These products are normally applied by professionals and could have up to a five year warranty.
Fumigation
If a home has been found to have an infestation of termites, then one of the options is for the home to be fumigated. This involves the sealing off of the home so that the fumigation process can be delivered effectively by a professional trained in termite extermination. Generally the fumigation process takes up to five hours.
The only negative aspect of this treatment process is that the fumigation of the termites has little or no effect upon the queen of the colony or the eggs that have been laid. Fumigation generally has a shelf life of 90 days. Following that period of time a further treatment may be required
Treating the Wood
The object of attention for the termite is the wood that is found in the home. Therefore, one of the most effective ways of treating termites is to deal directly with their food source.
Generally, the treatment of the wood in the process of exterminating termites involves the application of a number of products directly applied to the wood. This termicide could be in the form of bait, liquid, foam, etc. The termicide is applied directly to the wood.
Electrocution
One final method that has proven to be successful in the treatment of termites is through the use of electrocution. This specific process involves a piece of equipment known as an electogun and actually delivers electrical charge into the area where the termites have infested.
