What you need to know when treating for termites

You suspect you have termites. Or worse, you know you have termites. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says you should “control” termites, but many of us disagree.

The problem is termites are difficult to control. In fact, they tend to take control, so when treating termites, you want to eliminate them.

Treating for Termites and What You Should Know

Termites in Arizona are a fact of life. Just as Gulf Coast homeowners have regular roach treatments, Arizona homeowners have regular termite treatments. It’s simply what we have to do. But plenty of property owners fall behind or have never had professional pest control agreements. Termites quickly take advantage of these homeowners.

If you’re unsure, you should verify you have a termite infestation. Many people aren’t aware they have termites until a swarm appears or they find termite damage.

Termites are often called “flying ants” because that’s how they appear. Take a closer look. Termites have straight antennae; ants don’t. Termites’ front and back wings are the same sizes. Ants’ front wings are longer than their back wings.

Check your home for:

• Soft spots in your wood
• Termite larvae
• Termite wings on windowsills
• Tiny piles of “wood shavings”
• Tunnels that look like mud

YES, you have termites. Now what?

Termite Treatments for Arizona Properties

Professional treatments to eliminate termites start at $395 for homes. Depending on the size of your property and the level of infestation, the price may be higher, but it probably won’t be lower (unless the infestation is contained to a very small, disconnected outbuilding).

You may find lower pricing, but would you rather pay less for a treatment that doesn’t work or a little more for a termite treatment that eliminates the infestation?

Termite Prevention Is Key

Termites in Arizona are so pervasive, regularly scheduled professional treatments are the best way to prevent an infestation.

Here are DIY (do-it-yourself) tips:

• Don’t put wooden mulch against your foundation.
• Never attach wooden trestles to your exterior walls. They offer a clear path for termites to enter.
• Remove dead foliage, tree stumps, etc. from your yard. They are termite magnets.
• Seal all holes and cracks in your home’s foundation, roof, and walls.
• Stack firewood as far away from your house as possible. Then keep it raised off the ground.

DIY Termite Treatments

Many termiticides are highly toxic, making it critical to follow label directions with added care. Pest management professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment as required by the label, which minimizes risks and maximizes effectiveness.

-EPA.gov

Do-it-yourself termite treatments don’t work. The EPA recommends three types of non-hazardous, non-toxic-chemicals treatments, and won’t say they won’t work. But they don’t work. They offer a list of chemical treatments that are EPA approved.

There’s a possibility that a DIY termite treatment could temporarily eliminate an infestation. But as the EPA warns, following the directions may not be enough.

It’s never worth the heartbreak of losing a pet or the terror you experience when rushing your toddler to the emergency room. For a safe, effective, ecologically sustainable termite elimination treatment, you need professional pest elimination. You need Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination. Contact us with questions.