Discovering that you have termites in the house is every homeowner's nightmare. These ravenous insects are not just nuisances; they can cause severe structural damage to your home. If you find that termites have invaded your property, it's time to take immediate action. This article offers a brief guide on the subject of termite treatment.

Three Species

Homeowners typically need to be concerned about three types, or species, of termites: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood. Subterranean termites nest underground and typically enter the home through tiny cracks in the house's exterior or tubes they build out of mud. Drywood termites can nest almost anywhere and can create colonies in your attic or in nearby bushes or even a wooden fence. Dampwwod termites are strongly attracted to moisture and often nest in decaying wood or tree stumps. Subterranean and drywood termites are more frequently seen than dampwood termites.

Treatments

Professional pest control services use various types of treatments for controlling and eliminating termites depending on your specific circumstances. The main types of treatment used to control termites are termiticides, bait stations, and gas fumigation. Termiticides are termite pesticides that come in liquid or foam compositions, with liquid being used more frequently. The pesticide is contained in a tank and spread over the infested area with a nozzle. Bait stations are used on the outside of the house. The bait holds an attractant that draws termites to the station. The termites that eat the bait take it back to the nest where it will kill the others in the colony.

Gas fumigation is the most extensive treatment and is generally only used for severe drywood termite infestations. A fumigation treatment requires that everyone leave the home once the process starts and only come back inside after the pest control technician has declared it safe.

Cost

The cost of a termite control treatment usually ranges from $229 to $967, advises the Angi website, with an average cost of $598. The overall cost depends on where you live and the type of treatment being used. The average cost is higher in Tucson, AZ. than in Chigaco, for example. The size of your house and the severity of the infestation also come into play.

No DIY

Termite treatment is definitely not a do-it-yourself job. Trying to solve this kind of serious pest problem yourself can lead to unfortunate results. If you suspect you have a termite problem, contact a local pest control service, like Rice's Termite and Pest Control Services.