A guide to termite infestation: Part 2

Termites can have a substantial impact on a home. After first familiarizing yourself with prevention, detection and knowing the importance of attending to an issue with termites, understanding how to treat the infestation and whether to purchase a home that has been affected by termites are important proceeding steps.

Options for termite treatment and control

The Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program indicated that after identifying the presence of termites in your home, call a professional to exterminate these insects. Due to termites' ability to hide, attempting to extinguish these pests is not recommended.

Your pest control professional will conduct a home inspection, determine the severity of the issue and provide you with options to remove the pests.

Managing your termite infestation can be done by utilizing one of two different techniques: localized or whole-structure treatments. Localized treatments are intended for smaller termite infestations and the treatment is applied to a small infected area of the home. While this option is more affordable and convenient, if additional termites go undetected in another location, they will remain after professional pest exterminators treat your home. 

Whole-structure treatments are a more intense and costly option but can eliminate all colonies, even those that remain hidden.

Non-chemical and chemical whole-structure termite treatments

Heat is an effective technique used to eliminate adult drywood termites, according to Thermapure Heat. This non-chemical method funnels dry heat into your home increasing the temperature to 130 degrees. This process can take approximately eight hours. 

Beyond Pesticides noted that some exterminators can use liquid nitrogen on your home for a cold treatment that kills these home invaders. An additional option for homeowners is the use of an electrogun, which uses a high-voltage electric current to eliminate termites. 

There are a number of chemical treatment options available to you. Pesticides for termites can be applied to the soil on your property and prevent termites from entering your home again, and the barrier can keep the insects in your home away from the soil - causing them to die off, according to the University of Kentucky's Department of Agriculture. 

Baiting is another common treatment. During this method, a professional places bait for easy consumption by termites. The bait contains a substance that is lethal to termites. The insects return to their colonies with the poison. 

If you need to leave while exterminators treat your home for termites, consider taking a family vacation to keep your mind off of the situation or stay at a family member's house. 

Selecting a termite exterminator 
When you need to select a professional termite control company, Clemson University's Department of Pesticide Regulation recommended speaking with the people you know. Your friends, family and neighbors will likely have good suggestions for pest control companies you should consider hiring to solve your issue. Their reviews of different extermination companies can help you make the best decision for the treatment of your home. 

Purchasing a home that has been treated 

If a home you are thinking about buying has already been treated for termites by professionals, you may be nervous about how thoroughly a company did the extermination. After your initial home inspection, contact the pest control company that completed the treatment and ask questions regarding the situation. Find out how well the treatment went and what their professional opinions are regarding the current and future possibility of termites inhabiting the home. Old House Web suggested implementing a strategy to prevent future infestations from occurring if you purchase the home. Know how to prevent termite issues in the future and always stick closely to your plan. 

While dealing with termites may seem daunting, it is an issue that can be addressed quickly and thoroughly.