Ways to prevent and treat termite (deemak) infestation at your home this summer

Identifying a termite infestation

According to Mygate, “Termite infestation typically goes undetected until significant damage has been done. They are extremely difficult to locate until it is too late because they reside in a dark, moist, and interior environment.”

Before you can tackle a termite problem, you need to know what to look for. Here are some clear signs that will make it known that termites have made themselves at home:

Mud tubes on walls

The most definitive evidence of termites is the presence of mud tubes. Mygate notes these “typically extend from the ground along the wall and are roughly the size of a coin.” These tubes serve as highways that allow termites to travel between their nest and food sources within your home.

Wood damage

“Termites typically leave behind a thin veneer of wood or paint after consuming wood from the inside out,” notes Mygate. This means that affected wood may appear normal from the outside while being hollow within. Try tapping on suspicious wooden surfaces to know whether they are infested.

Swarmers and discarded wings

Mygate explains, “Termites with wings that swarm out of nests in huge groups are called swarmers. So, any symptom of a swarm signals the presence of an existing colony or the formation of new colonies.”

After finding mates, these termites shed their wings, which often accumulate on windowsills or floors. Finding these discarded wings is a telltale sign that termites are attempting to establish new colonies in or around your home.

Professional treatment options

If you’ve identified signs of termites, contacting professional pest control services should be your first step, according to Southern Living. Professionals typically employ two main treatment methods:

Liquid termiticide barriers

The most common professional treatment involves creating a chemical barrier in the soil surrounding your home. Southern Living explains this process: “The most common is to apply liquid termiticide in a trench in the soil around your house. Drilling into brick or concrete slabs also may be necessary to establish continuous protection around the home.”

Natural and DIY remedies

For those who prefer eco-friendly approaches or want to supplement professional treatments, several natural remedies can help manage termite problems. Some of these are:

Orange oil

Orange oil contains d-limonene, which is toxic to termites. Architectural Digest explains that this compound “comes in contact with termites and kills them.” It’s particularly effective against drywood termites, though may be less effective against subterranean varieties.

Vinegar solutions

Vinegar serves as a natural disinfectant and termite deterrent. Truly Pest Solution recommends mixing “equal parts of vinegar and water and spray the solution on wooden surfaces.” 

Borax treatments

For furniture, Architectural Digest recommends, “Mix 1 spoon borax powder with 250 ml warm water and spray it on the termite infested wooden furniture.” Remember to “wear a mask while handling borax as it releases harmful gases.”

Sunlight exposure

For infested furniture, Architectural Digest recommends exposing “the furniture to strong sunlight for at least 3 days. Sunlight not only dries the wooden furniture but also kills the termites.”

Preventative measures

Preventing termite infestations is less expensive and damaging than treating established colonies. Here are some preventative strategies that might help:

Moisture control

Termites are attracted to moisture and dampness. Architectural Digest advises to “always use a dry microfibre cloth instead of water to clean the wooden furniture” and “ensure good ventilation so as to get rid of excess moisture from the home.”

Regular inspections

Early detection is crucial. Schedule regular termite inspections to catch infestations early, especially during summer months. 

Protective treatments

Apply preventative treatments to wooden structures and furniture. For furniture, Architectural Digest suggests using “termite-resistant wood polish.”

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