Termites in the Wall? How to Get Rid of Them

Termites are dreaded pests that feed on wood. If neglected, they can ruin the structural integrity of your property. The severe damage can be stressful for both you and your pocket. But this guide can be your best bet to avert the potential disaster if you find the mysterious presence of termites in your walls. Read on and learn how to recognize termites in wall space.   

Recognizing Termites in Walls

Improper use of termiticides or termite baits may make matters worse. They can pose health hazards, too, especially for children and pets. You may even be targeting the wrong insect like carpenter ants. Look for a credible pest control expert.

Termites can come in various species and sizes. Clearly swarmer termites flying around would be a big signs of termites and termite activity. However, signs of termites and subterranean termite wall damage is usually much more subtle.

A professional is the best judge to recognize the early warning signs of termites in drywall or the creation of mud tubes or the remains of termite droppings. Remember, removal of termite infestations is a job best left to a professional.

However, there are a few signs you can look out for to confirm the presence of subterranean termite colonies on your premises.

Faint Lines

A common sign of termite infestation, these faint lines on a wall, are the highway tubes built by these pesky insects to travel. The network spreads rapidly if continued access to moisture and food is available for them.

Small Pinholes

Subterranean termites leave these tiny pinholes as they enter or exit the walls. They eat through the wallpaper to leave behind these tell-tale signs of their infestation. An untrained eye might need help to notice them. Try to look for termite dust on the base of the wall.

Baseboard Damage

They shred your baseboards and, in most cases, strip them off brutally. The top layer goes off within no time. However, in some cases, they invade silently, making it almost impossible to recognize until it’s all over. They may buckle under the slightest pressure. Hidden areas, like behind furniture, are especially vulnerable. Keep doing routine checks.

Hollow Sound

Gently tap the wall. If it reveals a hollow sound (compare it with other walls), you have a situation on your hands. Sometimes, you may even hear a distinct ticking sound coming off the walls. This is because the termites eat away the wood inside out. Their onslaught goes on around the clock. 

Paint Damage

Bubbling or peeling paint is usually linked with water damage. But often, termite infestation is the lead reason behind it. The stealthy pests find their way into your walls and chew away the wood, causing the paint to peel or bubble off. Paints provide them the much-needed moisture as well.

Structural Issues

The longer they live in your house, the harsher the damage they inflict on your infrastructure. Walls have a large surface area exposed to the earth and remain the primary target for a termite attack. This means an untreated termite infestation is bound to bring about structural issues in the long run. Weaker walls tend to buckle under the slightest pressure.

Effects of Persistent Termite Damage

A termite infestation can be a challenging ordeal. Whether a subterranean termite or a dry wood termite colony, they are known to attack the foundations shaking the fundamentals of the building. If the infestation has long occurred, you may have to prepare a big budget. U.S. citizens spend a massive $5 billion annually to restore the turmoil caused by these devastating creatures. 

How To Get Rid Of Termites In Walls

Fixing a termite problem depends on the availability of resources and capabilities of an individual(s). You can either opt to do it yourself or hire an expert for it. The latter is a wise choice if you want to do the job efficiently. A thorough professional inspection is paramount before adopting any solution. 

Your trusted exterminator may assess the situation and use the below methods or combination techniques depending upon the severity of the infestation. Opt for a wood treatment plan if you are planning to construct a new home. Treatments can be chemical or non-chemical-based:

1. Using boric acid baits — this method alone is insufficient to kill the entire colony
2. Drilling and injecting pesticides/termiticides 
3. Using heat (termites cannot survive intense heat in the air) 120°F for 35 minutes
4. Fumigation 
5. Using nematodes (natural parasites of termites)
6. Using termite baits (under or above ground)

All pesticides are supposed to be used only as per the label directions (a few are toxic). Pest control companies have the equipment, technicians, knowledge, and expertise to use them precisely. Be attentive and follow the dos and don’ts conveyed by your pest control specialist before the treatment begins. Seek their advice on when it will be safe to return to your home post-treatment.

Termite Extermination With the Pros

Budget Brothers professionals lead the industry in delivering the best quality assurance programs. You can trust our experience and grade in running an effective termite inspection and dealing with these pests.

Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination has been an Arizona leader in pest control for over 25 years. Reach out to our team of trained and experienced professionals for fast, friendly, and safe termite extermination. We assess each situation and provide customized treatment. 

Reach out to Budget Brothers and schedule a consultation now.