Termites may be small, but the damage they cause is massive. Every year, thousands of homeowners face costly repairs because of these silent destroyers. If left untreated, termites can eat through wood, furniture, and even the structure of your home.
The good news? With the right knowledge, you can spot termite problems early and take action before it’s too late. In this guide, we’ll explain the signs of termite infestations, treatment methods, professional pest control options, and simple steps to prevent future problems.
Why Termites Are a Big Problem
Unlike ants or other insects, termites don’t just crawl around looking for food scraps. Their food is wood and cellulose materials, which means your home is their buffet. They eat quietly from the inside out, which is why many homeowners don’t notice the damage until it’s serious.
Ignoring termites can:
- Weaken your home’s foundation.
- Destroy wooden furniture and flooring.
- Lead to repair bills worth thousands of dollars.
Signs You May Have Termites
Catching termites early can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some of the most common signs of a termite infestation:
1. Hollow or Damaged Wood
If you tap on wood and hear a hollow sound, termites may have eaten the inside. Try pressing a screwdriver into the surface—if it goes in easily, that wood is likely damaged.
2. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes on walls, foundations, or crawl spaces. These tubes are their highways between the soil and your home.
3. Discarded Wings
In spring, termites shed wings when starting new colonies. Finding piles of wings near windows or doors is a red flag.
4. Termite Droppings (Frass)
Small, oval-shaped pellets around windowsills or wooden surfaces could be termite droppings.
5. Strange Noises
Believe it or not, termites can make noise. Soldier termites bang their heads on wood when they sense danger, creating a faint rattling sound.
6. Peeling Paint or Bubbling Walls
Moisture from termite damage can cause paint to bubble or peel, often mistaken for water damage.
If you spot one or more of these signs, it’s time to act fast.
DIY Methods to Get Rid of Termites
Some homeowners try DIY solutions before calling professionals. While these can help in mild cases, they may not always solve the problem completely.
Boric Acid
A common DIY option is boric acid (sold as Borax powder). It dehydrates termites and shuts down their nervous systems. Sprinkle it into cracks, walls, or wood where termites are active.
Termite Sprays and Foams
Over-the-counter sprays and foams can kill termites on contact. These are best for small, visible infestations.
Beneficial Nematodes
These tiny worms are natural termite killers. When released in soil, they infect termites and kill them within days.
Essential Oils
Some studies suggest oils like orange oil or wintergreen oil can help kill termites when combined with heat treatments.
⚠️ Warning: DIY treatments may slow termites down, but they rarely wipe out an entire colony. If you have a large infestation, professional help is the safest choice.
Professional Termite Treatments
For most termite problems, professional pest control is the best option. Experts know where termites hide and have access to stronger, safer treatments.
1. Liquid Termiticides
This chemical barrier is applied in the soil around your home. When termites cross it, they carry the poison back to the colony, eventually killing the entire group.
2. Termite Bait Systems
Bait stations are placed in the ground around your home. Termites eat the poisoned bait and share it with others, leading to colony elimination.
3. Fumigation
For severe infestations, fumigation may be necessary. The entire house is tented and filled with gas that kills termites everywhere inside.
👉 Professional treatments may cost more (anywhere from $700 to $2,000+), but they are far more effective than DIY methods.
Top Pest Control Companies
Two of the most trusted names in termite control are:
- Terminix – Offers custom termite plans and long-term protection. They also provide guarantees that cover future treatments.
- Orkin – Uses a six-step approach, including inspections, treatments, and follow-ups, to ensure termites don’t return.
Both companies offer free inspections, which is a great first step if you suspect termites.
Types of Termites
Knowing which type of termite you have helps determine the best treatment.
Subterranean Termites
- Live underground and build mud tubes.
- Cause the most damage in the U.S.
- Colonies can contain up to 1 million termites.
Drywood Termites
- Live inside dry wood (furniture, beams, floors).
- Don’t need soil or mud tubes.
- Colonies are smaller but still destructive.
Dampwood Termites
- Usually infest damp or decaying wood.
- Less common in homes but can be a problem in areas with poor drainage.
How to Prevent Termites
The best way to deal with termites is to stop them before they invade.
- Fix Leaks – Termites love moisture. Repair roof, pipe, and AC leaks quickly.
- Keep Gutters Clean – Remove debris that creates damp, hidden spaces for termites.
- Seal Cracks – Close gaps in your foundation and around pipes.
- Store Wood Away from Home – Don’t stack firewood or lumber against your house.
- Remove Tree Stumps – Old stumps are termite magnets.
- Use Termite-Resistant Materials – Opt for concrete foundations and treated wood when building.
- Choose Alternative Mulch – Gravel or rubber mulch is safer than wood mulch.
- Get Regular Inspections – Have a professional inspect your home once a year.
Cost of Termite Control
The cost depends on the type of termites and level of infestation:
| Treatment Method | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY sprays/foams | Under $100 |
| Professional liquid barriers | $700 – $2,000 |
| Termite bait systems | $800 – $3,000 |
| Fumigation (severe cases) | $2,000 – $8,000 |
While professional treatments may seem expensive, the cost of repairing termite damage is often much higher.
Final Thoughts
Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face. The key is to spot them early, take action quickly, and invest in prevention.
DIY methods can work for small problems, but if you notice multiple signs of infestation, calling a professional pest control company is the smartest move. It may cost more upfront, but it will save you money—and your home—in the long run.
FAQs About Termite Control
1. What is the fastest way to get rid of termites?
The fastest way is to call a professional pest control service like Orkin or Terminix. They use strong treatments that work better than DIY solutions.
2. How do I know if I have termites?
Look for hollow wood, mud tubes, discarded wings, termite droppings, or peeling paint.
3. What chemicals kill termites?
Common chemicals include fipronil (in liquid barriers) and hexaflumuron (used in bait systems).
4. Can I treat termites myself?
Yes, with boric acid, sprays, or nematodes. But DIY methods may not kill the entire colony.
5. How much does termite treatment cost?
On average, between $700 and $2,000. Severe infestations requiring fumigation can cost $8,000 or more.
