How to Get Rid of Termites

Termites are no joke. Left unattended, these tiny pests can wreak major damage on the structure of your house, and like other common invaders—think bed bugs, ants, and mosquitoes—they can be incredibly stubborn and difficult to evict from your property. Knowing how to get rid of termites then is an important skill for any homeowner, and one that it’s worth reading up on—even if you’re not currently facing a termite problem yourself.

You have a couple of different routes that you can go when it comes to how to get rid of termites, including natural and professional remedies. Which way you decide to go depends on the extent of your termite problem, as well as your general preferences for removal.

Whether you’re up against a termite problem now or preparing just in case, here’s what you need to know about these pesky bugs and how to get rid of them.

What are Termites?

Termites are small insects with seriously destructive tendencies. They’re similar in size and general appearance to an ant—though they appear white or brown, not black—and they feed primarily on soil, plant matter, and dry or decaying wood. Left undeterred, they can eat through everything from a home’s floors and ceilings to its drywall, cabinets, and furniture. It’s easy to see then why figuring out how to get rid of termites is a top homeowner concern—and why you need to act fast if you notice signs of an infestation.

The type of termites that you might be up against depends largely on where you live. Drywood termites are most common in southern states (think a long but narrow strip of land from California to Florida), and do not need much moisture to survive. Dampwood termites, on the other hand, thrive on moisture, and they’re more likely to be found in humid areas and Western states.

As for the worst kind of termite, that title belongs to the subterranean termite, found all throughout the country and deemed the most destructive of the bunch.

It’s estimated that termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year—a cost that isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance. So how can something so small cause so much harm? Termites live off of cellulose, a biological compound and one of the main substances of wood. And subterranean termites alone eat 24/7, and once a swarm finds a home it’s reluctant to leave until it has (literally) eaten you out of house and home.

4 Signs You Have Termites

Unfortunately, it can take years to realize that you have a termite infestation. The sooner you figure out what’s going on though the better, so keep an eye out for these common signs of termites.

Wood damage

Mud tubes

Discarded wings

Sawdust-like droppings

Many homeowners don’t identify the signs of an infestation until the destruction has gotten severe. To mitigate your risk, act right away upon noticing anything amiss. In addition to eating wood, termites can also use their teeth to travel through plastic, plaster, and metal siding, so there’s no time to waste in clearing up a swarm.

How to Get Rid of Termites Naturally

These pervasive pests do have their weaknesses. Here are a few things to try if you’re interested in how to get rid of termites naturally.

  • Set a trap. Cellulose is found in lots of other places in addition to wood, including cardboard. If you suspect termites, take a damp cardboard box or another type of damp corrugated material and place it near the suspected infestation. This tasty diversion should draw them out, after which you can remove the cardboard to a safe spot and burn it to kill the swarm.
  • Let there be light. Think of sunlight like termite kryptonite. UV rays are fatal to most termites, and exposing them to light can be a quick way to take out a whole colony. If you suspect an infestation in a piece of wood furniture, bring it outside and place it in direct sunlight. Areas near the foundation of your home can have brush, leaves, and other items cleared away to let more sun in, and you can also purchase standalone UV lights at many home improvement stores.
  • Turn termites into prey. Consider investing in some parasitic nematodes, thread-like roundworms that consume termites (among other things) while posing no harm to people, pets, or your home’s structure. Let them loose in the wood where you suspect termites, and they should do the rest.

Professional Options for Termite Control

If you’re dealing with a serious infestation, then the best solution for how to get rid of termites may be to just call in a pro. Professional termite exterminators have lots of tricks up their sleeves for taking care of these tricky pests, and can often do a more thorough job—making sure you win the war, and not just a battle.

A pro may fumigate, set bait traps, or use specialized repellents. The exact means of approach will depend on the extent of the infestation as well as its location. If you do decide to go with a professional, mention right away if you have any considerations they should keep in mind, such as pets or small children living in your household.

Prevention Tips

The best way to deal with termites is to never have to deal with them at all. While there’s never a guarantee, follow these tips to reduce the chance that termites will find their way into your home:

    • Store rich sources of cellulose—including mulch, lumber, and firewood—at least several feet away from your foundation.
    • Minimize moisture around your foundation as well, pointing gutters away from your property and sloping soil as needed to ensure standing water doesn’t pool near the base of your home.
    • Trim back any bushes and branches that make contact with the side of your home.

    Termites can happen to anyone. Following the tips above will ensure that you’re doing your best to keep them out, and that you have a plan of action if they get in anyway.