Termites are known to cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and structures. If you plan to sell your house, termite infestation or a history of it can greatly decrease its value. You’ve invested a huge amount of money in finding and building the right house, and you can’t let these small critters ruin it. It usually takes a year or more before serious visible damage can be observed, but you shouldn’t wait until it is too late.

Methods of Extermination

There are different methods of exterminating termites. The used usually vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the choice of the exterminator. However, in general, there are three common ways utilised by exterminators in the process.

• Using Bait – In this method, a bait which can either be a piece of wood or a cardboard is soaked or treated with a slow acting poison or pesticide, then left for the termites to feast on. Since it takes a while before the poison takes effect, the termites will have enough time to bring pieces of it back to the colony where the other termites can divulge on it. Eventually, the whole colony will be poisoned.
• Repellents – Here, a repellent is sprayed on certain areas of the house or structure in order to keep the termites from going there and starting a new colony. This inhibits the spread of the pests and the colony and limits their location to certain places only.
• Termaticides – Most repellents are termaticides, but there are termaticides that not only repel termites but also kill them. These types of are pumped into the infested area or the colony which results in immediate extermination.

Finding the Right Exterminator

Since termite extermination requires the use of toxic and hazardous chemicals, it should only be applied by certified exterminators. They have been properly trained about the proper use and application of such chemicals, and thus reduce the risk of contamination to your health and damage to your property.

If you start noticing any signs of termite damage, it is best to take action immediately by contacting a professional exterminator in order to protect your homes, establishment and investment.