Termites destroy wood in a home. For this reason, if you find you may have a potential termite problem, you will want to be diligent in working to remove them quickly and efficiently. Most people will hire an exterminator, like Heritage Pest Control, to remove termites, as they are difficult to remove. There are a few things that you can do however, to help in the process of removal. Here are some tips that you can use in identifying a termite problem and how to get them out of your home.

Do You Have A Problem?

Termites like to hole themselves up in the wooden structures of your home. Some of the signs that you may have an infestation include areas of wood that have holes in it or spots that sound hollow when you knock on them. There may be areas that have what looks to be dirt or mud upon a wall. You may see a stray winged bug or two in your home. Follow any bugs to see where they disappear to go hide. This may be the area that they are living.

Remove Areas Of Attraction

Termites like areas that are moist and areas made of wood. You can help remove termites by removing these attractions from your home. If you have any areas that are suffering from a plumbing problem that leaks water, get it repaired so that termites are not attracted to the moisture. Areas of stagnant water that may be around the perimeter of your home can attract termites, as well. Remove any children's swimming pools or birdbaths and cover hot tubs and fish ponds until after the problem is resolved.

If you have any wood piles near your home, move it to a further location so that it will not attract additional termites. Having an abundance of paper items in the home may be a termite magnet, as well. Remove any old magazines and newspapers.

Killing Termites

You can try to bait termites by placing a pile of cardboard near the area they are hiding. Take it outdoors after several days and burn it, killing any termites you have trapped in the piles. You could try making a mixture of boric acid and water and place it in a spray bottle. Spray areas where you see termites and spray around doorways. Boric acid will cause termites to become dehydrated if they ingest it. You could also try using a pesticide spray to kill termites on contact.