Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention – 4 Methods are Here

Termites, among the other pests and insects that can invade the house, is the most damaging one. Basically, they can feed on wood surfaces inside your house like the void cabinets, wood furniture, or wall foundations. Because of this, termites can actually eat your house down. The best way is to have a wood treatment for termite prevention by yourself or through a termite exterminator.

As we go along, we will share the methods of treating woods for termite prevention. Moreover, we will give you details about termite infestation and its resulting damages to your home. 

The beginning of termite infestation

Basically, there are two main accesses in which termites may invade and infest the house. It is actually through the air and the ground. Generally, drywood termite infestation happens the moment an existing colony of these bugs utilizes the swarmers to invade the house. 

In case these swarmers or flying termites find a wood location in your house, they start to shed wings and create their nest. Subsequently, they begin to lay their eggs there and start generating a new termite colony.

Meanwhile, the subterranean termites enter the house through the foundation because the colonies of these bugs are located underground. When this type of termites looks for their food supply, they try to seek for a new food source which is your house.

Normally, the subterranean termites create mud tunnels within the house foundation like the walls. Generally, they invade this to have access with the wooden structure of the house. Primarily, the subterranean termites are the common cause of 95% of termite damage in the US. 

The result of termite damage

Usually, termites cause almost 600,000 home destruction in the US every single year. Based on the data from the US Department of Agriculture, the cost of home damage caused by termite around the globe per year is about $40 billion. Moreover, the cost of termite treatment and damage repair per annum in the United States is around $2 billion.  

Typically, seeing and knowing the high amount of termite treatment is not difficult nor surprising. In case there is a termite infestation in your home and primarily causes damage, it may cost into the thousands. Basically, termite treatment cost estimation may vary which lead many pest control companies to come up with an estimated average cost of about $1,500 to $5,000. 

Knowing this, it is highly advisable to act and use wood treatment for termite prevention as soon as you suspect a termite infestation in your home. Typically, when you delay the action of treating termite infestation, it will generally cost you thousands of bucks.

Methods of Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention

Typically, hiring professional termite exterminators is somehow costly. And it is not surprising though. Basically, knowing the cost entails with hiring a reputable pest controller, it is normal to think of ways on wood treatment for wood prevention. Generally, this would help you to kill and eradicate those termites all by yourself.

Below are the methods of wood treatment for termite prevention. Actually, you can also combine any of these methods in order to achieve a greater effect.

Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention # 1: THE LIQUID TERMITE BARRIER

Generally, this wood treatment for termite prevention does not only aim to kill the existing termites inside your home. It is also a good preventive measure as well. Basically, the liquid termite barrier entirely covers your house within a barrier of pesticide. 

This chemical usually poisons and kills the termites once they have contracted it. Primarily, the common application of the liquid termite barrier is around the entire house foundation. In addition to that, it can also be applied within particular wood structures or woodpiles.

PROCESS OF APPLICATION:

1. Initially, prepare a liquid termite barrier solution.
2. Generally, dig into the ground a deep trench, measuring 6 by 6 inch, surrounding your house foundation. Meanwhile, for grounds made of concrete floorings, drill a hole of about half inch by 18 inch which is 2 inches far from the wall foundation. Moreover, also consider the rate of one hole in every single foot measurement.
3. Furthermore, through a bottle sprayer, spray the liquid termite barrier solution into the holes. Ideally, spray the solution at a rate of about 4 gallons per 10 feet.

Basically, the holes permit the liquid termite barrier solution to form a connection with the soil. Moreover, applying this type of wood treatment for termite prevention in this manner would lead to a long-lasting barrier that can last for 10 years. However, keep in mind that it is advisable to reapply the barrier annually or every other year.

ADVANTAGES OF USING LIQUID TERMITE BARRIER:

• High probability of killing the entire colony of termites because of the effect of the poison
• A single application may last longer
• Also recommended by professional termite exterminators
• A highly effective method to eradicate subterranean termites

DISADVANTAGES OF USING LIQUID TERMITE BARRIER:

• It requires hundreds of gallons of solution to surround the whole house premises
• The preparation of a solution is costly and time-consuming
• Not that effective in killing drywood termites

Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention # 2: THE DIRECT CHEMICAL TREATMENT

Basically, this wood treatment for termite prevention is highly applicable for termite infestations within the crevice in the wall, rafters, and attic. Generally, this chemical treatment will take care of the wood surfaces in the attic and on the walls right there at the moment.

PROCESS OF APPLICATION:

1. Initially, look for the location of termites in the crevices and void areas of the wood structure in your home.
2. Moreover, drill a small hole within the hole to gain access to the void spots.
3. Subsequently, insert the nozzle of the can which holds the chemical and fire the chemical right away inside the hole. However, make sure that you wear gloves and eye-protective gear.
4. Afterwards, reseal the hole.
5. Basically, you may reapply the chemicals to the infested area after 3 days.

ADVANTAGES OF USING DIRECT CHEMICAL TREATMENT:

• Both cost-effective and time-effective
• Applicable for eradicating the drywood and subterranean termites
• A single application can last for a month

DISADVANTAGES OF USING DIRECT CHEMICAL TREATMENT:

• May not able to kill the entire termite colony
• Can acquire minor health risks once exposed accidentally to the chemical

Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention # 3: THE USE OF BORIC ACID

Generally, boric acid is the best solution that comes in between pesticides and natural solutions over pest control. Basically, this wood treatment for termite prevention works well on many pests like termites. Moreover, they presume that boric acid may take termites from 3 to 7 days to die after its contact. 

Additionally, compared to other wood treatment for termite prevention, boric acid has a lower toxicity rating. Also known as Borax, it is generally available widely in local hardware stores and usually comes in powder form. 

PROCESS OF APPLICATION:

Primarily, boric acid can be used via two main applications. It can be used directly in its powder form or make it as a borate solution. This treatment is applicable for both indoor and outdoor application.

• Process of application using the powder form

1. Initially, pour out sufficient amounts of boric acid powder into a powder duster.
2. Basically, using the powder duster, apply the boric acid powder into areas of termite infestation such as the cracks and crevices.
3. Moreover, directly apply the boric acid powder into the termite colony in case you are lucky enough to locate their nest.

Moreover, the borate solution is pretty much applicable to treat termite infestation around wooden surfaces within the house. Additionally, there is also the so-called ‘pre-treated’ wood available in the market. Basically, a pre-treated wood has been treated with a solution of borate with applied pressure before its construction. 

However, you can also prepare a homemade borate solution and use it after the wood construction process as post-treatment. Yet, the only downside is that it cannot penetrate the wood deeply. Furthermore, another way to apply the borate solution is to spray it directly over the infested soil outdoor targeting the subterranean termites.

• Process of application using the borate solution

1. Initially, dissolve boric acid of about one teaspoon over warm water measuring 8 fl.oz. Basically, this will result in the creation of approximately 2% concentration of borate solution.
2. Generally, spray the solution into the infested wood surface or soil.

✱ Important Reminder: Keep in mind that when you apply either the powder boric acid or the borate solution, ensure that it is not applied in areas reachable by children or pets.

ADVANTAGES OF USING BORIC ACID:

• Easy to apply and very budget-friendly
• The toxicity rate of boric acid is typically low considering its application is in lesser quantities

DISADVANTAGES OF USING BORIC ACID:

• Not long-lasting which means that frequent reapplications are required
• May not eradicate the entire colony of termites
• The effectiveness of boric acid into the soil can be reduced by the rain
• The post-construction application of borate solutions on wood may not be effective because of insufficient penetration on the wood interior.

Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention # 4: THE USE OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

Basically, the diatomaceous earth is the remains of the diatoms or the tiny aquatic creatures. Primarily, these remains are fossilized and the skeletons are made of silica. Moreover, the location of their sediment accumulation is within the lake beds, oceans, and rivers. 

One good thing about the diatomaceous earth is that it is 100% natural. In case, you are looking for a natural pest control wood treatment for termite prevention, diatomaceous earth is the number one choice.

Generally, diatomaceous earth works by making use of its structure as a minute razor blade to cut down the insects. It usually slices the exoskeleton of the termites making them exposed for dehydration. Eventually, the termites will die.

PROCESS OF APPLICATION:

1. Initially, pour a sufficient amount of diatomaceous earth over a powder duster.
2. Basically, using a powder duster, apply the product in infested areas like the woods and basement insulations to form a barrier. Moreover, you can also apply it on the soil through a direct application.
3. Reapply it every time it rains most likely if you use it over a soil. In case of a humid climate, reapplication is required every few days.

ADVANTAGES OF USING DIATOMACEOUS EARTH:

• 100% natural and non-toxic
• Highly applicable on both indoor and outdoor use
• Very cost-effective wood treatment for termite prevention

DISADVANTAGES OF USING DIATOMACEOUS EARTH:

• Can only be effective on higher grounds and exposed termites
• Not effective for subterranean termites
• No possibility of eradicating the whole colony of termites
• The moist environment may reduce its effectiveness

Considering Professional Termite Exterminators in the Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention

Basically, it is good to use either one of the methods of wood treatment for termite prevention discussed above. However, the need for hiring a professional pest controller will highly depend on the budget and severity of the termite infestation.

Generally, many pest controllers find it useful to apply the liquid treatment barrier as it is also the most effective way of treating the wood from termites invasion. However, many homeowners do not find this method applicable to them due to the digging and drilling process.

Moreover, professional termite exterminators are also highly skilled in identifying the infestation of termites in your home. Aside from that, they have knowledge of how to easily assess the severity of infestation. 

You may also read Ways on How to Get Rid of Termites in My House 2020

Final Words

Wood treatment for termite prevention comes in 4 useful methods in eradicating termite infestations. Basically, these methods can use either commercial pesticides or natural insecticides that can totally kill both types of termites and their entire colonies. Typically, these methods of wood treatment can be done and applied all by yourself or you can hire a professional pest control service provider. 

Generally, pest control companies can assist you in your termite infestation problems in your home. Usually, they are skilled and know how to detect infestations and their severity. With this, they will deal with the infestation problem appropriately. So, whether you choose to do the wood treatment on your own or leave it all with the termite exterminators, all of these options can greatly help you to have a termite-free house.