Termites are sometimes called “white ants” even though they are not a species of ants. Their color is often light yellow. Worker termites generally measure between 4 to 15 millimeters. Queen termites may measure up to 10 centimeters. Queen termites have a long lifespan of about 25 years and about 4 years for a worker.
Signs That You Have Termites At Home
Termites destroy houses because they eat wood, paper, insulation, and electrical wires. Long-term termite destruction to property often requires repair or renovation, which can be very expensive and inconvenient. Unlike other household pests, being bitten by termites should not be a major concern in getting rid of it.
People rarely see termites because they have a good ability to hide. You are unlikely to detect them and kill them with your own hands.
Most of the time, you will only know that they are present in your household by noticing the marks they leave behind:
- Mud Shelter Tubes – can be seen on surfaces like walls and ceilings. It is a brown-colored and narrow tube that consists of soil and feces. It can easily be destroyed just by touching it or wiping it.
- Damaged Woods – termites create hollows on wood grain. Initial damage to the woods may be unnoticeable since it starts from the inside. To detect initial damage, tap on the surface of the wood, when it sounds hollow that means it is already rotten by termites.
- Frass/Powdery Wood Droppings - can be seen anywhere below any wood structure that was destroyed by termites. Its color varies from light brown to black.
- Peeling Paint – may look like water damage paint. Bubbling paint on the wood surface – also a sign that the wood is becoming hollow.
Effective Termite Control Methods
- Remove dead trees around the house. Termites live in those dead trees, if these dead trees are placed near the house, termites can easily access your house.
- Maintain proper ventilation to avoid moisture build-up. Moisture is a requirement for termites to survive. They don’t have any reason to stay in a dry area.
- Expose suspected termite-destroyed wood products such as chairs and tables in sunlight. Moist and dark places are where termites stay and survive. The heat and light of the sun kill termites.
- Apply boric acid to wood materials. Boric acid kills termites and other household insects by dehydrating them and destroying their nervous system.
- Spray vinegar and lemon juice mixture on surfaces of the house. The mixture kills termites by destroying their digestive system.
- Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth (DE) in areas where you suspect termites are hiding. DE is a natural chemical-free substance. It works by drying the internal body and destroying the exoskeleton of termites and other insects.
These methods are just short-term solutions. Since termites are hard to catch because they always hide, it is better to seek pest management professionals. You may also plan termite control methods as early as when you are still constructing a new house. There are termite repellents that you may add to house paints during construction.