Do a quick search on Google of “Can I treat termites myself?” and you’ll find lots of websites (approximately 2.5 million) telling you how to treat termites on your own.
But is the DIY method safe or effective?
For the most part, no. (The only exception we would grant is the treatment of something like a wooden mailbox.) Getting rid of termites is a job best left to the pros, here’s why….
Why You Shouldn’t DIY
Termite treatment requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment. For example, effective treatment requires knowledge of building construction and common termite entry points. Many of these entry points can be hidden or difficult to access. Homeowners attempting the DIY route may not be able to treat all of the termites’ entryways, which means termites will still be able to enter the home.
On top of the problem of accessing termite entryways is the problem of getting rid of the termites when you do finally access them. Many DIY treatments are either completely ineffective or only effective for a short period of time. The entire termite colony must be eradicated, or the termites will simply rebuild. And if you buy termite treatments or pesticides off of the Internet, there is no guarantee that the treatment will be effective or even safe. (Pesticides can be very hazardous in inexperienced hands.)
Learn more about termites by reading Termites: Fact and Fiction and visiting the termite section of our pest library.
What to Do If Your Home Has Termites
Most termite infestations are discovered from March to May. Why? This is typically the time of the year (when the weather gets warmer) that winged termites show up around your home. They appear in order to mate and start new colonies. Winged termites found near places like your walls, foundation, or patio are a clear sign that your house has an infestation.
If you see winged termites (not to be confused with winged ants!), mud tubes, damaged wood, or other signs of a termite infestation, call a pest control company to talk about treatment. (Note: a termite infestation can sometimes leave no signs, so it’s not a bad idea to have a routine inspection done of your home.)
How to Choose a Pest Control Company
When you suspect that your home has termites, it’s easy to feel like you have to hire a pest control company and get your home treated right this minute. But don’t let that feeling lead you to hire an inexperienced or uncaring pest control company.
Avoid any company that tries to scare you into signing a contract right away. You can take your time when choosing a pest control company: most species of termites do their damage rather slowly, so feel free to take a couple of days to make your decision. Research the companies you are considering online, and see what previous customers have to say about them. Call the companies and talk to the technicians.
When choosing a pest control company, the most important factor is experience: it takes a skilled pest control expert to eliminate an entire termite colony—not someone who was just hired a few weeks ago. Make sure that the company you hire has the training and experience to do the job properly. Here at Scherzinger, we’ve been fighting pests in the Cincinnati, OH area since 1934. Our pros all have the extensive training and support needed to do an exceptional job.
If you’re concerned you might have a termite infestation on your hands, contact Scherzinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or through our website, Facebook, or Twitter.