Termites are destructive pests that can do a significant amount of damage to your home very quickly. An average colony will consume about one foot of 2 x 4 beam every six months and can affect the structural integrity of a home in as little as two to three years. In short, it’s essential to keep your home protected from termites.
There are two types of termites: subterranean and dry wood termites. Both termites eat wood, which is what causes this damage to your home. Drywood termites have smaller colonies and live in the wooden beams in your house. Subterranean termites have multiple colonies and dig tunnels underground near wood structures.
Regardless of the type of termites you have, an effective termite control strategy should combine prevention with offensive solutions that actively target colonies. Some of these termite treatments require you to take certain steps to prepare your home. Let’s take a closer look at popular termite treatment options and the preparation process.
Chemical Termite Treatments
There are several chemical options to get rid of termites, including termiticides and gas fumigants. Our pest control in Clarksville TN can complete a termite inspection and help you decide on the best way to treat your home based on the type of termites you have and the extent of the infestation.
Termiticide
Termiticide is an insecticide with active ingredients that attack the termites’ nervous system to kill them. Your exterminator will spray your lawn and the areas around your house, saturating the ground and reaching into the termite tunnels. Termiticide takes little to no preparation and isn’t dangerous to pets or wildlife. You don’t even need to leave your home during the termiticide treatment application process.
Fumigant
Termite fumigation is a highly effective way to rid your home of termites. During this treatment, your exterminator will surround your home with a tent and release gas. The fumigant will kill any termites present, even those hiding in hard-to-reach places. However, unlike termiticide, you will need to prepare for the treatment.
Preparing Your Home for Fumigant Treatment
Termite treatment fumes can penetrate through cracks and crevices and are unsafe for humans or pets to breathe in. Your food and medicine are also at risk during the fumigation process and must be appropriately protected.
Make Arrangements Away From Your Home
The first step to prepare your home for fumigant termite control is making sure that your home is empty. You, your family, and your pets can’t stay in your home during the termite tenting process, so you’ll need to arrange accommodations elsewhere.
The termite fumigation process can take up to 72 hours, depending on how significant the damage to your home is. At Termites and Pest Control, our termite removal professionals will always give you an idea of how long the process will take before getting started so that you can make plans accordingly.
Remove or Protect Food and Other Items
Before treatment begins, you will need to either remove food, medicine, and hygiene products from your home, even if they are unopened or protect them adequately. It’s imperative to check all areas of your home for any food or medication. You’ll also need to store away clothes, bedding, and curtains and relocate any plants outside or in another structure.
If you don’t want to remove items from your home, doubling all food and other things in Nylofume bags is the ideal option to protect against termite treatment gas. It’s not a requirement to remove items that still have the unopened manufacturer’s seal from your home, but you should at least bag them for safety assurance. We are happy to provide you with proper storage bags to protect your belongings if need be.
Take Care of Your Utilities
It’s also crucial to turn off and unplug all electrical appliances and ensure your gas is turned off before the fumigation process begins to avoid accidents. You will need to ensure that your security system is off so your pest control professionals can access your home without interference after you leave. Unless you want to return to the home, leave your keys behind to ensure your exterminator can lock up your home at night, too.
That’s it! Preparing your home for termite control treatments is that easy. Our experienced team at Termites and Pest Control can solve all your termite problems at rates that won’t break the bank. To request a free quote for termite treatment in Clarksville, Nashville, or Huntsville, AL, contact us today at 931-645-0382.
