How to Safely and Effectively Eliminate Termites

Termites are incredibly voracious pests. These creatures will consume anything with cellulose, which is present in materials like paper and wood products. From wood to magazines, newspapers, and even cardboard, termites will feast on all kinds of materials. They’ll devour your home’s structure, and often by the time you notice them, the damage is already significant.

As Doug Webb, a board-certified entomologist and termite technical services manager at Terminix, explains, 'Termites are stealthy creatures and can remain undetected in homes for years. They typically feed on the wood framing and supports, where they are shielded from temperature changes and moisture extremes.' And they’re hidden from view. So, once you spot one, swift action is essential. Here's how to tackle a termite infestation safely and effectively.

Types of Termites

Determining which type of termite has taken residence in your home is crucial for deciding on the appropriate treatment. Termites are often confused with ants, but there are some important differences. Termites have a straight waist, unlike ants, which have a pinched waist similar to wasps. Most termites range in color from black to light brown or amber, depending on their species, whereas ants are typically red, black, or dark brown. Termites also have straight antennae, while ants' antennae are 'elbowed' or L-shaped. Below are the common species of termites to watch for.

Subterranean Termites

This termite species is highly active underground, as their name indicates. According to Webb, 'The nest and most of their colony activity occur in the soil, usually between 6 to 20 feet beneath the surface.' These termites thrive in moist soil environments and typically enter homes only in search of food.

• The eastern subterranean termite is the most widespread species found in homes throughout much of the U.S., according to Webb.
• A western subterranean termite species is also commonly found in the western states.
• Formosan and Asian termites are other species that have been introduced into certain U.S. areas in recent years, particularly in the southeastern states and Hawaii. Formosans have become the dominant species in parts of Hawaii and the Gulf Coast. Asian termites are mostly seen in South Florida, though both species have been gradually expanding their territories in recent years. (Note: Formosan termites can swarm and establish colonies in upper parts of your home, without needing soil contact!)

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are distinct in that they build their nests directly in wood, rather than in soil, so specialized control measures are needed to manage them, according to Webb. These termites are commonly found in central and southern California, Hawaii, and parts of central and south Florida, with occasional sightings in some western states and along the Gulf Coast. Drywood termites thrive in dry wood, such as the framing of homes, flooring, and even furniture.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Since termites often work quietly and secretly for extended periods, detecting their presence can be challenging. However, there are certain signs that can help confirm an infestation.

Swarms

The clearest indication of a termite infestation is, unsurprisingly, the sight of termites themselves. If you notice swarms of termites emerging from your home, it’s time to call a professional immediately. According to Webb, 'Swarming termites are the reproductive members of a termite colony that develop in mature colonies and fly away to start new colonies, typically in the spring or summer, depending on the species. Their sole purpose is to establish new colonies.'

Mud Tubes

Another sign of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes, which are created from dirt and termite saliva. These tubes are used by termites to travel to and from their colony. Mud tubes offer protection from temperature fluctuations and predators, which is why termites rely on them for movement. Webb notes that these tubes can be found in many locations around the home: 'On the foundation exterior, porch columns, window sills, baseboards, door frames, and nearly anywhere wood or cellulose materials are present, including the paper layers of drywall,' he says.

Buckled Wood

Other indicators of termite activity include warped flooring, wall coverings, and distorted wood trim such as baseboards. According to Webb, damaged wood may sound hollow when tapped. Be on the lookout for soft spots or blistering in wood flooring as well.

Droppings and Discarded Wings

Drywood termites, in particular, leave behind droppings on horizontal surfaces like floors and window sills, according to Webb. These droppings are small, oval-shaped, and resemble tiny grains. Another sign of their presence is discarded wings—termites shed their wings in piles before establishing a new colony.

Cracked or Bubbling Paint

As termites burrow into your home, the holes they create allow moisture to seep in, leading to bubbling or peeling paint.

DIY Methods to Get Rid of Termites

There are many DIY products and remedies that claim to control or eliminate termites, but while individual termites are relatively easy to kill, eradicating entire colonies—often numbering in the millions—is incredibly difficult using just homemade solutions, Webb warns. You can start with the methods below to gauge their effectiveness, but you may eventually need to call in a professional for more powerful solutions.

Termiticide 

You can use liquid or foam pesticides around your home to target termites. Liquid termiticides can be sprayed onto the soil, mulch, or wood chips, while foam treatments work well for hard-to-reach cracks and crevices. For even narrower spaces, dust or powder options are available. These termiticides kill termites on contact, and some will even spread the poison to the rest of the colony.

Baits and Traps

Termite traps typically contain poisoned bait—often wood, paper, or cellulose—that termites consume and carry back to their colony. Many of these baits are slow-acting, allowing termites to share the poison with other colony members.

Boric Acid

A common method for eliminating termites is to spray or sprinkle boric acid on affected areas. This works by dehydrating the termites. You can either purchase ready-made solutions or create your own by mixing one teaspoon of boric acid powder with a cup of water in a spray bottle.

Physical Barriers

To prevent termites from entering your home, you can use physical barriers. For drywood termites, drill a hole in the infested wood, inject termiticide into it, and then seal the hole with putty. This effectively traps the termites inside with the poison.

Essential Oils 

While essential oils are not recommended for large infestations, oils like orange or neem are considered natural pesticides and can be effective in the early stages. Orange oil will kill termites, while neem oil inhibits their ability to reproduce.

Nematodes

These microscopic parasites are highly effective at eliminating termites. Once introduced to their host, nematodes gradually poison them. This treatment works particularly well for subterranean termites—simply sprinkle potting soil, water, and nematodes on the affected outdoor areas.

Remember, if termites are left untreated, they can continue to severely damage your home’s structure, warns Webb. This can lead to not only increased repair costs but also additional treatment expenses for the homeowner.

Professional Treatment Options

DIY methods often fall short against large-scale infestations, and by the time you notice the problem, it’s likely already advanced. Webb suggests that many professional termite control services offer renewable guarantees to reduce the chance of a failed treatment, including annual inspections to ensure termites are fully eradicated.

Webb mentions that professionals may use various approaches for treating homes. One common method is creating a treated zone in the soil around the house using liquid treatments. Another strategy involves using termite baits, which the termites consume and spread within their colony, effectively eliminating it. In some instances, both techniques are combined for a more comprehensive solution.

Drywood termites require specialized treatments, often involving fumigation or heat treatment to eliminate existing infestations across the entire structure. Some companies also offer preventive measures to stop new colonies from forming, particularly in regions where drywood termites are naturally found and tend to swarm.

Preventive Measures

Webb emphasizes that one of the best preventive actions is to have your home professionally treated before termites become a problem, especially if you live in an area where infestations are common. However, there are additional steps you can take to reduce the risk of termites, including:

• Address any leaks or moisture issues around your home right away, as termites thrive in moist conditions.
• Ensure mulch is kept at least four inches away from your home’s foundation.
• Store firewood away from your house and remove tree stumps from your yard.
• Install termite-resistant steel mesh over any vents or openings on the exterior of your house.
• Have the foundation, roof, and other wooden structures in your home regularly inspected for signs of termites.