Pest Spotlight: How To Get Rid Of Termites Easily In Orange County

Most insects are hard to eliminate, but especially termites. For one, their colonies are great in number; there can be thousands of members. Two, reaching them isn't simple. Generally, they crawl deep into the soil or set up behind walls. Three, evidence of termite damage isn't perceivable right away. When it is, you already have a big problem. Only experts in pest control in Orange County can handle these wood-destroying bugs. 

Homeowners often try using retail goods and "do it yourself" tricks to address termites, but this is a terrible idea. These options are time-consuming and not worth the effort because they typically don't work. Termites cause five billion in repair and prevention costs every year in America, so you have to find out what's effective now. Continue reading to learn the signs of termites inside your house and how HomeShield Pest Control can help. 

How To Identify Signs Of Termites Around Your Home

Not all termites in a colony have the same appearance. Workers are misleading because they resemble ants. However, they are white and about 1/4 of an inch long. As they damage wood, soldiers are nearby, defending their territory. Their heads are dark and rectangular, and they have large mandibles. Swarmers mate and craft new nests. These winged bugs are 1/2 an inch and brown or black. 

Here's what you'll encounter with active termites:

• Sightings of swarmers
• Discarded swarmer wings 
• Piles of fecal frass next to the holes, mud tubes, and maze patterns made by termites 
• Walls that sound hollow 
• Soft rustling coming from inside walls
• Peeling and bloated paint 
• Flabby drywall that is discolored 
• Broken or loose tiles
• Creaking floorboards
• Stuck doors and window frames

These signs may seem mild in nature, but they confirm a significant issue. 

Why You Can't Get Rid Of Termites On Your Own

"At-home" remedies to kill termites run the gamut. Some people make attempts with organic ingredients. For example, they will apply orange oil or vinegar to vulnerable wood. Others think something stronger, like boric acid, should be employed. The results are usually a mix. You might repel termites for a time, but it'll be brief. 

Pesticides and similar termite treatments can be more powerful, but their use should be temporary. The chemicals are a threat to humans, domestic animals, and greenery. In any case, the average person can't readily access nests with these products.

Factors That Attract Termites To Your Home And How To Remove Them 

If wood is on your property, termites will more than likely attack it. Unfortunately, this includes structures stabilized in the ground. You can anticipate seeing these insects around the exterior base of your residence. Putting gravel down along the perimeter and removing soil may stop this. Free logs, slabs of lumber, and similar need to be far away from the house and stacked up high on a platform. Turning on a dehumidifier and promptly handling leaks can reduce the warmth and moisture that appeal to termites. To address entry points for these pests, seal foundational cracks and crevices. You can also do the following: 

• Take out wood that is decaying or broken. 
• Make sure windows and doors have screens and sweeps. 
• Wash out gutters and vents regularly.

Termites are formidable, but every little bit helps. 

The Best Thing To Do About Flying Termites Around Your Home 

HomeShield Pest Control can get rid of termites for you, streamlining the process safely and efficiently with our quality treatments. Our experienced technicians will utilize interior and exterior barriers, solutions for cracks, yard applications, and more. Pre-construction mediation is available as well. Get a free quote when you call us today!