Author: Michael Potter Updated: January 31, 2020
One of the main dangers is that termites can be very secretive enemies. Traces of their vital activity may not even be observed. They can bite into your house, for example, from under the foundation and devastate all the insides of the wooden floors of the house. The worst thing is that it will take them 2-3 years for your fortress to collapse – in the literal sense of the word.
This guide will be useful not only to those who have already been in trouble, but also to those who want to protect themselves and their home from the appearance of these disgusting insects. Today we will find out: who are termites, what do they do and why do they need to destroy our settlements? We will also consider the most effective methods of pest control, means of prevention and the opinion of respected experts on this matter.
Who are termites and why are they dangerous?
Small insects, vaguely reminiscent of ants, with white bodies and wings. In the process of evolution, they evolved from cockroaches, and ants are precisely their enemies. They have a clearly defined hierarchy for such insects. Having seen them once in person or at least in pictures on the Internet, you are unlikely to confuse them with someone else.
Why do termites destroy houses?
Termite food is cellulose. The main storage of this material, as we know, is wood, and only then all its derivatives: paper, cardboard, etc. In the context of nature, termites cannot even be called pests, since they only feed on dead wood. In extremely rare cases they can be found in a living tree. But since houses are built from recycled wood, this is an excellent treat for these insects. And the fact that they are not interested in the tree itself, but only in the cellulose, is evidenced by the dust left at the crime scene.
Which termites are dangerous?
There are 2 main types of termites: subterranean and arboreal. The former live both in the ground and in wood, the latter, respectively, only in structures made of wood. Underground individuals also live in various sheds, garden houses, and dung heaps. They also cause much more damage to your property. If you were able to determine that it was these termites that attacked you, it will not be easy at all; most likely, you will need to turn to professionals.
How can you tell if your home is infested with termites?
If you have any of these signs, start taking action immediately or contact a specialist:
- Small round holes - termites gnaw holes and gnaw out tunnels, which they both feed on and make their way through
- Tunnels - if you find cracks or damaged areas, then try to “pick them apart” even wider and see if this is just damage or a trace of termite.
- Trash - small piles of trash next to the holes described above. Another sure sign.
- Waste - if termites hide their existence well, then they simply get rid of excrement. You can use them to track insects.
How to Get Rid of Termites Naturally
To begin with, you can try to move the infected wood from the site. This is a humane method, meaning that termites that are harmful to human farming can be moved to where they will be useful as participants in soil metabolism.
Small pieces of wood that contain live termites can be soaked in soapy water to kill the insects. Large pieces can be taken to a landfill or to nature, where the termites' abilities will be beneficial, say scientists from the University of Washington.
Nitrogen and electric current . If termites are found in dry wood, they can be eliminated using liquid nitrogen. To do this, small holes are drilled in the affected wood into which nitrogen is injected. Another option for physical impact is electricity. Using a special gun, The Electrogun™, a high-voltage, low-current electric charge is directed at insects inside dry wood. It is used for limited infections. Microwave radiation is also used for this purpose.
Cardboard traps . A cardboard trap, which you can create yourself, will have a limited effect by moistening two sheets of cardboard placed on top of each other. When they are filled with insects, the cardboard can be destroyed using available methods. But it is important to understand that this method will not solve the problem of the appearance of new individuals. Pest control manufacturers also produce sticky cardboard traps. One of these traps is presented in the selection of tools below.
Sun or frost - these measures are quite complex and can be suitable for furniture and other small objects. Place infested wood in the sun to warm up. But scientists from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources warn that “the treatment process involves heating all the wood in the structure to nearly 50 degrees and holding that temperature for more than half an hour.” Can you provide these conditions? Freezing is even more difficult. Place the furniture in a huge freezer if you have one, or take it out into the cold if it happens in your area. The termites will die within 1-2 days.
Don't worry if the problem cannot be solved with improvised means. Less than 4% of such attempts lead to success. It is recommended to combine these measures with those below, and as a result their combined effectiveness will increase dramatically.
In what natural area do termites live?
Where do termites live? The number of their species on the planet is close to three thousand, the main part lives in the subtropical and tropical zones. There are only two species represented on the territory of Russia, and they can be found in the area of Vladivostok and Sochi.
These insects live in huge multimillion-strong groups called colonies; in each of them there is a clear division into castes: workers (the majority), soldiers, queen and king. The body color of adult termites varies from whitish-yellow to black.
Sources
- https://BeetleStop.ru/termityi-v-dome/
- https://autogear.ru/article/222/337/termityi—chto-eto-takoe-gde-obitayut-termityi-i-chem-oni-pitayutsya/
- https://fb.ru/article/222337/termityi—chto-eto-takoe-gde-obitayut-termityi-i-chem-oni-pitayutsya
- https://apest.ru/nasekomye/termity/
- https://KlopSOS.ru/nasekomye/termity-i-ih-koloniya/
- https://beyklopov.ru/muravi/obshie-svedeniya-muravi/termit.html
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Organic Termite Killers
Dust and powder . Another method is to dry out insects using special dust, such as diatomaceous earth or silica airgel. They cut into the chitinous cover of insects and penetrate inside, drawing fluid from the body. The dust is harmless to humans as long as it is not inhaled. To avoid irritation of mucous membranes, use a mask and safety glasses. However, scientists have differing opinions about the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth. Some consider it effective, others do not. Most likely, the answer lies in one of its features: diatomaceous earth loses its effectiveness even with low humidity. Therefore, it can only be used for termites in dry wood.
Natural enemies . Sometimes it is not necessary to deal with termites yourself. You can break into the passages made from the colony to the feeding areas, after which natural enemies of termites, for example, ants, can get into them.
Another enemy is Nematodes. The idea is to attack the enemy with his own weapon. Nematodes parasitize insects. They must penetrate the host's body and therefore destroy it. A termite lives 48 hours after infection. The disadvantage is that the nematodes themselves soon die. These worms can be purchased on Amazon.com. Scanmask 10 Million Live Beneficial Nematodes: ~$12.99.
Boric acid . Finally, a proven remedy against many types of insect pests is boric acid. A simple and affordable product, widely used in different forms: as a powder or component in baits. This is a slow-acting substance. After eating boric acid, the insect will gradually experience paralysis and die. PestGuard Boric Acid : ~$6.99.
What do termites eat?
The food for termites is mainly elements of plant origin, for example dry wood, the digestion of which occurs thanks to flagellates - the simplest organisms living in the intestines. By the way, about 200 species of protozoa live in the stomach and intestines of a termite, the total mass of which sometimes amounts to 1/3 of the weight of the insect. They convert inedible wood into easily digestible sugars.
Only working individuals are capable of feeding on their own; the food for the rest of the caste depends on them. The soldiers, due to the excessive development of the mandibles and the insufficient development of the rest of the mouth, are not able to chew food on their own, and therefore feed on the nutrient-rich excrement of workers or the secretions from the mouth, which are also consumed by the king and queen. Termite larvae eat the salivary secretions of adults and spores of moldy fungi. Various remains present in the soil - rotting wood, manure, leaves, animal skin - are eaten by workers, but the food is not immediately digested, and the excrement of humivorous individuals is then consumed by another worker termite or soldier. Thus, the same food passes repeatedly through a series of intestines until it is completely absorbed.
Australian aborigines, by the way, are the only ones who have a wind musical instrument, the didgeridoo, made from eucalyptus branches, the core of which has been eaten away by termites.
How do termite killers work?
| Product type | Ingredient | Principle of operation | When and for what is it better to use | How effective is it? |
| Liquid insecticide | Fipronil | Slow poison, causes paralysis when eating treated wood | For pestilence and creating a barrier around the house | Effective, but will take time to kill a colony |
| Granules | Imida chloride | Kills after eating | Scatter as a barrier | Effective against insects on the street - a protective barrier against pests entering the house |
| Foam | Fipronil | Slow-acting poison that causes paralysis | Foam passages and galleries | Dense foam will not give you a chance to get out - it will kill you within a few days |
| Powder | Diatomaceous earth or silica airgel | Kills by dehydration | Sprinkle in areas where termites accumulate | Only for termites in dry wood |
| Boric acid | Boric acid | Causes paralysis after eating. | Fall asleep in passages and galleries | Effective, but since the substance acts slowly, it will take time to exterminate the entire colony |
| Cardboard traps | Cardboard, water, glue, bait | Detains insects | Where they appear near a food source | Will only catch termites on the surface |
| Nematodes | Killer roundworms | They parasitize termites and eat them. | Inject into the affected tree or into the soil near the colony | 50-99%, depends on whether the nematodes have time to infect the termites |
| Lures | Hexaflumuron or diflubenzuron - slow-acting components | Sterilize the queens - the colony will die out | For outdoor use only | Very effective, but will take the most time |
Other ways to control termites in your home
The most reliable way to get rid of termites is to contact a service that specializes in insect extermination.
In this case, there is a guarantee that specialists will professionally and efficiently treat the termite-infested premises.
Some companies provide a power of attorney, which confirms the customer’s right to free regular inspections of the treated premises. The validity period of a power of attorney can last from one to two years.
Top 7 termite remedies
Termidor SC Termiticide
The product, which has very high reviews from customers on Amazon, costs $77.70 for 0.6 liters of liquid. It contains fipronil, which kills termites slowly and therefore quickly spreads among the inhabitants of the colony. Mix it with water according to the instructions and fill a 15cm ditch around the foundation of the house. Once in the soil, the product should form a long-term barrier against insect pests.
Bayer Diy Termite Killer
Imidachloride granules are also quite popular among consumers and are easier to use than liquid insecticides. They are placed around wooden structures that are of interest to termites and just wait. 4 kg of granules cost $44.97 and are enough for 60 meters of poured strip.
Termidor Foam
Another Thermidor, this time in the form of a foam with fipronil, a slow-acting poison. The product costs $24.95. The foam is contained in a container under pressure and is convenient to use in addition to the classic insecticide. Using a long nozzle, foam is pumped into cavities and hard-to-reach places where the nest is located. 80% of buyers did not give this product the highest rating.
TERRO 16 oz. Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Aerosol Spray
This spray with a nozzle for hard to reach areas is different from other products because it kills termites quickly and is suitable for quick protection of individual properties, but not for long-term control of a large colony. The product creates a barrier against insect attacks for up to four weeks. 450 grams of spray costs $6.05. Contains permethrin and tetramethrin.
36 Catchmaster
36 cardboard traps that can be rolled up or used as flats cost $14.99. They will not rid the house of new termite infestations, but can be used as local protection for individual items. Typically, the trap is capable of holding not only insects, but also mice, lizards and even snakes.
Comparison of traps used by professionals and households
Let's compare two products: the first is Spectracide for homeowners and the second is Advance professional.
Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes
Five stations with baits for the local area with hexaflumuron (a slow-acting insect growth regulator) cost $16.31. They are installed on the ground with submersion and attract termites. This device has two directions of action: detection and killing. Dig a small hole, place the station in the soil and wait. Once the device detects termites, an alarm will appear indicating their presence. Suitable for outdoor use only. Placing 15 bets will protect up to 230-280 square meters. The trap will last up to 12 months before needing to be replaced.
| Product | Active substance | Peculiarities | Price |
| TERRO 16 oz. Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Aerosol Spray | Tetramethrin, permethrin | Aerosol | ~$6.05 |
| Bayer Diy Termite Killer | Imida chloride | Granules | ~$44.97 |
| Termidor | Fipronil | A powerful insecticide that can only be used twice a year | ~$77.70 |
| Termidor Foam | Fipronil | Foam, suitable for hard to reach areas | ~$24.95 |
| 36 Catchmaster | Sticky base | Cardboard trap, insects stick to it | ~$14.99 |
| Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes | Hexaflumuron | Kills termites and signals their appearance | ~$16.31 |
Termites and their types
Termites belong to the category of primitive social herbivorous insects. They are relatives of cockroaches. “White ants” got their name because of the coloring of the workers, and these insects differ from real ants in the absence of a narrow constriction separating the chest from the abdomen.
Regions of distribution
The largest colonies of termites live in tropical and subtropical regions, with smaller numbers found in warm temperate regions.
Important! According to various studies, termites cause economic damage amounting to several billion dollars a year, and the consequences of an invasion of these insects are sometimes catastrophic. For example, in South America, due to the constant presence of “white ants”, it is rare to find a book older than 50 years in cities.
Nutrition
Before getting rid of termites, it is a good idea to know what they feed on. The main food of termites is cellulose, which is found in wood, tree leaves and grass. Therefore, when termites get into a house, they can cause significant economic damage, because they are not limited to wood, but eat everything that has a high proportion of cellulose.
In their natural environment, termites eat dead branches and rotting parts of tree trunks. A number of their species feed on cereals, collecting their dry shoots in the chambers of their underground nests (termite mounds). Some termites feed on dead leaves and humus from tropical soils.
Types of termites
Like all social insects that live in colonies, termites are divided into 3 main groups:
- Working individuals.
- Soldiers.
- Individuals capable of sexual reproduction.
Activity
An adult in termites develops from a larva without first transforming into a pupa (incomplete metamorphosis). Only reproductive individuals have wings. At the base of the wing of such insects there is a seam along which the wings break off after settling for the purpose of reproduction.
Working individuals do not have genital organs, and it is the working termites that have a whitish and light color, which gives the name “white ants” to the insects.
The main task of the soldiers is to protect the colony from ant predators. To do this, they have different defense weapons:
- growth with a poisonous secretion;
- gnawing mandibles.
Important! Insect nests can be found in different places: tree trunks, stumps, logs, on the ground. Termites do not like light, so they spend almost their entire lives in the dark. Since these insects cannot feed only on what is located next to the colony, they have a need to build covered galleries, thanks to which they communicate with food objects: trees, buildings, etc.
We turn to specialists
The effectiveness of the remedies that I have offered you is high and time-tested. But they will not always be able to help you. You may not have enough experience, and you do not use the drugs correctly, do not completely cover the area, make other mistakes, or something simply does not work out. In this case, you should not hesitate - you need to contact an exterminator. His help will cost a lot of money, but:
- The exterminator must provide a guarantee for his work.
- He is an expert in his field
- They use substances to fight that are not freely available.
Do not forget that scammers are everywhere, and, in addition to wasted money, you may lose your home due to poor quality processing or harmful, potent poisons. Explore several offers on the pest control services market. Try to find out as much as possible about the company you like. If there are no reviews on their site or, better yet, only positive comments, be careful, it looks like a scam. A guarantee for the quality and durability of the work performed must be issued in writing, and repeat inspections and visits to maintain the quality of the work performed must be carried out free of charge.
Preventive measures: what to do if there are no termites yet?
If you have not yet encountered termites in your yard or have already successfully defeated them, then, of course, you need to take preventive measures. Here are the precautions experts recommend:
- Once construction is complete, keep the soil around the foundation dry.
- Reduce openings that termites can exploit (fill cracks in cement base, etc.).
- Keep vents clear of blockages, including plants.
- Make sure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the walls of the house, and do not allow them to push through wooden surfaces.
- Do not place firewood or wood debris near your home.
- Periodically inspect firewood storage areas to make sure that termites have not taken up residence there.
One of the best means of prevention is Rust-Oleum 01901 Coppercoat Wood Preservative. The drug has been certified and is safe for people. It is best to use this repeller during the construction stage, but if you missed this point, it’s okay. Take a brush and apply the liquid to all wooden structures: coat generously and let dry. Please note that the product is recommended for outdoor use - you work with it indoors at your own peril and risk.
Let's summarize!
Termite control requires a responsible approach. Firstly, there is no other way to defeat them, and secondly, your home is probably one of your greatest material assets and losing it due to insects is not acceptable. Use different means, combine and you are sure to win.
Prevention measures
Preventative measures are necessary to prevent dangerous pests from entering your home.
Try to follow these recommendations from experts:
- the foundation of a new house must be built as high as possible from the ground;
- It is necessary to build a good drainage drain around the perimeter of the home so that the soil is not too moist and does not attract termites;
- ask experts what types of wood insects do not prefer so you can use them in your home;
- When laying brick walls, use a special protective film that prevents insects from entering your home;
- to reduce high humidity in the house, you need to dig a trench around it no more than 1 meter and cover it with sand treated with insecticidal agents;
- do not allow sewer and water pipes to leak, as dripping water attracts termites;
- Clean your gutter frequently to prevent it from serving as a haven for pests.
- Make sure there is good ventilation in the house so that excess moisture can easily leave the room;
- install a wooden fence around the property on a cement foundation to prevent wood from contacting the ground;
- all wooden external structures near the house must be treated with special coatings to prevent termites from entering the home;
- promptly seal all cracks and cracks in the walls that have formed outside the house using sealant;
- add 0.1% permethrin to facade paint or cement (1 large spoon per bucket of water) so that termites avoid your house ten times over;
- do not store firewood or wood products near your home; it is better to store them in a shed or seal them tightly so that they do not get wet in the rain and snow;
- during hot periods, install mosquito nets on windows and balconies to prevent insects from entering the house;
- It is better to transplant shrubs and trees that grow too close to the house further away;
- when watering your garden plot, try not to spray the walls and foundation of the house with water from a hose so that they do not absorb moisture, which is so attractive to termites;
- special baits will not be able to 100% eliminate the “huge army” of insects, but they can reduce their number by 100-200 individuals;
- to achieve the best result, combine several disinfestation methods if the number of termites does not decrease in any way, but rather the opposite;
- For preventative purposes, regularly treat wood with antiseptic agents that repel insect pests.
The battle with a squad of termites requires decisive action. If you don't win, then the insects will win over you. And then the saying “my home is my castle” will not make any sense to you. If your home is dear to you, then make sure that, except for family members, no one else “settles” in it. Try all available methods, combine different techniques - and you will succeed.
