Termites are undoubtedly one of the most feared pests to any homeowner. Not only do they represent a threat that can be impossible to fix once it begins, but they can also be difficult to identify even as they chomp through your precious wooden floorboards, walls and ceilings. The most popular way of termite control is generally one that involves termiticide or other chemical barriers. However, some people really do not like the idea of toxic chemicals around their small children and pets, and that is understandable. Here are three methods of termite control you can try that do not involve any chemicals.
Cement Foundations
If you are starting your home from the ground up then the best advice you can get is to use a cement slab or foundations. Termites are searching for wood, so, naturally, if their first point of contact with your home is not wood, they will likely move on to easier feeding areas. This also applies to any external cladding, lattice, decking or any other part of your home that is wooden that comes into contact with the ground. If possible use another material or use a synthetic material that mimics wood. No wood equals no termites.
Termite Shield
Before chemicals became the primary method for defeating termites, termite shields were far more commonplace. It is exactly what it sounds like; a metal cap that is placed over your foundations which prevents termites from getting underneath your house and then burrowing their way into wooden structures. Many pest control and specifically termite control contractors still offer termite shields because they work and they last far longer than most chemical treatments. They also can look quite nice and act as a neat border for the foundations of your home.
Bait
While bait systems do use a few chemicals, they are completely enclosed which prevents anything but the smallest insects (such as termites) from snooping around inside them. Instead of having to get your termite control professional to spray all-around your home with strong chemicals, why not make the termites come to the source directly? That is the idea behind termite bait systems which present a tasty treat to the curious termites who may venture inside before poisoning them. These termites then carry that poison back to the hive and hopefully, if it all goes well, the hive is wiped out in a few days or weeks. Bait is not foolproof, as it requires good placement (which an expert should help you with) but it is far less chemical-heavy, and as part of a balanced approach, it can work wonders.
Termites are a pest which does millions of dollars of damage each year throughout Australia. However, by knowing more about termites, their movements, and signs of infestation, then you can organise pest control treatment early to minimise the amount of damage done.
If you are interested in finding out more about termites and the methods used to get rid of them, then you have picked the right website for information. When you suspect you have termites on your property, then you need advice on how to confirm that suspicion before treatment starts. Use the information provided here to stop termites in their tracks.