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How To Get Rid of Termites

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Read our guide to learn how to eliminate termites and determine if you need to hire a pro. Avermectin Powder

How To Get Rid of Termites

Alex Hawkins is an avid writer and researcher specializing in solar, pet insurance and home improvement. When he isn’t surveying homeowners to understand their pain points or speaking with professionals in the industries he covers, Alex can often be found creating videos for his YouTube channel, Analysis with Alex, or attending a heavy metal show.

Dana Getz is a seasoned editor with nearly a decade of experience writing and editing content. She has a background in journalism and worked as a fact-checker for prestigious magazines such as New York and Chicago. She holds a journalism and marketing degree from Northwestern University and has worked across numerous categories within the home services space.

Termite infestations require fast action: These pests can cause damage worth thousands of dollars in repairs. Some do-it-yourself (DIY) methods can control minor infestations, but hiring a professional pest control service is best in most cases.

We at the Guides Home Team have analyzed the termite treatment plans and products of the best pest control companies in the United States. This guide explains how to address an infestation step-by-step and provides recommendations for professional exterminators.

Pest control can vary greatly in cost depending on treatment type, frequency, and more. Get a quote from a top provider.

Get regular inspections to protect from signs of pests.

Find the right quote to terminate pests in your home.

There are various methods to get rid of termites depending on the type and scale of the infestation. Below is a step-by-step approach.

Begin by determining whether you’re facing a termite or flying ant infestation. The pests are often confused with one another because they both have wings and antennae. However, termites cause more severe damage than flying ants. Below are the most common signs of termites: 

There are two types of termites: subterranean and drywood. Each type of termite requires different extermination methods. It’s also possible to simultaneously experience an infestation from both types of termites. Here are some tips for identifying the termite problem you’re facing.

You can try various methods to treat a termite infestation yourself, from chemicals to organic options. Drywood and subterranean termites require different treatments, so it’s important to know which kind of infestation you’re facing.

Here are some common ways to get rid of subterranean termites. 

Read some of the treatment methods for drywood termites below.

Once your termite problem is under control, you should take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are some of the most common preventative measures.

We recommend hiring a professional pest control service if you think you have termites. Termites are difficult to treat and can quickly destroy your home’s foundation. The DIY methods listed above may help with small colonies or short-term control, but compared to professional equipment, products and expertise, they might cost you more in the long run.

Professional pest control companies know how to identify a colony and create a treatment plan tailored to your infestation. If your infestation is large, you may have to hire a professional for fumigation. Below are our top recommendations for pest control companies with termite services. 

Orkin Pros receive more than 160 hours of instruction in their first year to ensure the quality of service. They’re trained at a 30,000-square-foot facility in Georgia that has a full-size model home to practice pest control techniques, including termite treatment. The company offers comprehensive general pest control plans, unique attic insulation, and lawn treatment services. Orkin also offers same-day service for pest emergencies, such as termites.

Get a quote: Fill out Orkin’s online form or call 1-877-868-1416 .

Terminix has more than 95 years of experience in the pest control business and a widespread network of licensed pest experts. Before completing any termite services, a Terminix technician visits your home to perform a thorough inspection and build a custom plan. Terminix also guarantees free reservicing if pests return between scheduled visits. 

Get a quote: Fill out Terminix’s online form or call 1-866-569-4035 .

Borax powder, diatomaceous earth or sodium borate can kill termites naturally. Sprinkle these powders on the affected areas, or make a powder and water solution to spray on the areas. 

Salt can get rid of termites. However, you’ll have to spread salt on the ground across the entire perimeter of your home. You can also try to create a trench in the ground outside of your house and fill it with rock salt and water.

It takes an average of 14 days to rid a home of termites. Large infestations can take up to eight weeks. These time frames are for professional treatment. DIY treatments may take even longer. 

Our team created a comprehensive rating system to rank pest control providers. We researched companies by examining each provider’s website, speaking with representatives to get more insight on coverage, treatments and pricing, reading hundreds of third-party customer reviews across multiple sites, and surveying 1,000 homeowners who had hired pest control companies.  Following our in-depth research, we scored pest control companies in these categories: plan options, customer service, guarantees, reputation, longevity and pricing.

Alex Hawkins is an avid writer and researcher specializing in solar, pet insurance and home improvement. When he isn’t surveying homeowners to understand their pain points or speaking with professionals in the industries he covers, Alex can often be found creating videos for his YouTube channel, Analysis with Alex, or attending a heavy metal show.

Dana Getz is a seasoned editor with nearly a decade of experience writing and editing content. She has a background in journalism and worked as a fact-checker for prestigious magazines such as New York and Chicago. She holds a journalism and marketing degree from Northwestern University and has worked across numerous categories within the home services space.

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How To Get Rid of Termites

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