Can I Kill and Prevent Termites Without Professional Pest Control in North MS?

We know that pests are common in Mississippi and that homeowners sometimes take pest control into their own hands. But when it comes to a pest as destructive as the termite, it’s definitely not something that we would advise.

The cost of professional termite control for homeowners is nowhere near what it could cost if these pests cause structural damage.

In this article, we’ll dive into DIY termite control and why it’s something that you probably want to avoid.

Jump to Section

• Can I Kill Termite Colonies On My Own?
• Can Over-The-Counter Termite Products Kill a Colony?
• Why Is Professional Termite Treatment More Effective Than DIY Termite Control?
• Can Termites Come Back After DIY Treatment?
• How to Prevent Termites?
• Signs You Need Termite Treatment
• Choosing Termite Inspection Services in North Mississippi

Even though there are termite control products on the market that you can purchase yourself, controlling these pests is more complicated than you may realize. And since there is so much risk involved, it’s simply not worth it.

Can I Kill Termite Colonies On My Own?

While there are plenty of DIY termite-control products and even homemade concoctions out there (white vinegar and boric acid are two that pop up online), we wouldn't recommend them.

While insecticides with active ingredients affecting termites may be readily available, the proper, thorough treatment method is most important. It's not a spray-and-move-on treatment.

The trouble is, if you do not get the entire colony, you’re only going to continue to have problems. The hidden nature of termite colonies can make this challenging, and failing to address the problem in its entirety can be detrimental.

Can Over-The-Counter Termite Products Kill a Colony?

Never say never…we know that some store-bought products can be effective against termites. But applying them properly (and thoroughly) is so critical.

The problem is that this does require some knowledge and expertise about termites that most homeowners do not have. Knowing exactly what to look for, where and how to treat, and how to make sure you get the entire colony is imperative.

You do not want to risk thousands of dollars in damage with DIY termite control.

Why Is Professional Termite Treatment More Effective Than DIY Termite Control?

As we’ve mentioned, it’s not just the products used but also the expertise that really makes a difference with professional termite control. When you’re working with a professional, you’re not only getting access to commercial-grade termite control products but also a high level of expertise and understanding about termites.

This combination will be the most effective approach.

Often, DIY treatments will keep a problem at bay temporarily, while professional termite treatments will help support long-term control. Killing a few visible termites is simply not the same thing as eliminating the source of the problem.

Can Termites Come Back After DIY Treatment?

Yes, termites can come back after DIY termite control.

This is actually one of the biggest problems with taking matters into your own hands. It’s quite common for a DIY method to be a “quick Band-Aid solution” to a larger problem. It might seem as though you’ve gotten rid of termites, but because this is truly such a hidden problem, it’s quite possible you’ve only touched the surface.

The best termite control solutions need to be incredibly thorough to ensure the entire colony is addressed.

How to Prevent Termites?

Even though we do not recommend that homeowners take termite control into their own hands, we do advise them to take practical steps to reduce their risk of termite infestation.

Here are a few important recommendations.

• Keep firewood 50 feet away from the home
• Make sure you have proper drainage
• Remove rotting stumps
• Do not pile wood mulch too deep against your foundation
• Quickly repair broken pipes or leaks in roofs, windows & doors

Since termites are attracted to moisture and damp wood, you can attract them by failing to address moisture issues. That being said, you can do all the right things and still end up with a termite problem. Our region is a hotbed for termite activity, and it can be difficult to avoid.

For that reason, even if you do not have active termites or see signs of termites in your house, it’s still wise to invest in termite control. Termite services aren’t just about treating an existing infestation. They’re also about preventing termites from even having a chance to start trouble.

This proactive approach can save your home from costly damage.

Signs You Need Termite Treatment

One of the scary facts about termites is that their damage can sometimes go unnoticed until it’s severe. Termites feast from the inside out, so they aren’t always visible to homeowners.

Still, you can watch for some of these signs of a termite infestation.

• Mud tubes: One of the early warning signs our technicians most often find is their presence, particularly in crawl spaces. These are pencil-thick tunnels that termites construct from soil, saliva, and feces, and they’re used to protect and shelter the termite. Mud tubes on a house that come up from the foundation are also common (so be sure to explore the exterior).
• Swarmers: Another early sign of termite infestation we see is the presence of swarmers inside the home. Swarmers are reproductive termites leaving a colony to start a new one. They are dark, winged insects that usually shed their wings after landing. Homeowners might also find piles of wings.

• Frass: Frass is small, granular waste and is often mistaken for sawdust. While many of the termites we see in our region do not produce significant frass, if spotted, this can be a sign of termites in a house.
• Signs of damage: Unfortunately, sometimes an early termite warning sign is the appearance of damage that has already been done. Hollow-sounding wood, peeling paint, buckling floorboards, and warped windows and doors can all be signs that termites are damaging your home.
  

Choosing Termite Inspection Services in North Mississippi

Dealing with termites is risky business. Every year, they cause an estimated $5+ billion in damage in the United States alone. For that reason, we never advise that homeowners tackle termites on their own.

Of course, you also don’t want to leave your termite control services to just anyone. Due to the serious nature of a termite threat, you definitely want to make a wise choice when it comes to a termite inspection in Mississippi.

You want to choose a professional termite service in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS that is diligent in detecting active termites and preventing infestations.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we are Certified Sentricon Specialists® and can install non-invasive bait stations around your home to provide you with the ultimate in targeted subterranean termite control. Then, each year, we can conduct interior and exterior termite inspections to confirm these hungry pests stay away for good.

Truthfully, even if you do not have active termites or see signs of termites in your house, it’s still wise to invest in termite control. This proactive approach can save your home from costly damage.

Because termites are so common in our region and such a destructive pest, all homes in New Albany, MS and the surrounding areas require termite protection.

It’s not worth the risk of not treating them.

Ease your mind and give Lawn & Pest Solutions a call. You can receive a complimentary inspection, and we can provide a thorough plan to eliminate termites, help prevent further infestations, and protect your home.

We want you to be able to relax in your home. Give us a call today, and we’ll bring our proven termite-control experience to create a custom plan for your home in New Albany, MS. Get started today with a free quote.