Dealing with termites is not a pleasant experience. These creatures are destructive and can establish themselves in your home without being noticed for years. Spotting the first signs of termites might force you to grab a DIY treatment and try to handle the issue on your own. But termite control requires the expertise of pest professionals from a reputable pest control company in Altamonte Springs. Keep reading to learn why tackling termites on your own might not be a good idea.
Termites Work Secretly
Termites live and work inside the wood, quietly chewing away at your home’s structure. They might have been there for months or years before being discovered.
DIY termite treatments are usually surface-level. You only treat part of the problem if you are not trained to spot where the termites are nesting, how they get in, or how far the damage goes. A professional knows how to find the entire colony and stop it at the source.
Store-Bought Products Do Not Reach the Nest
DIY termite sprays and foams do not get deep enough to kill the whole colony. You might kill a few termites on the surface or near where you sprayed, but the queen and the rest of the colony are often buried deep in the soil or inside your walls. Missing the queen or leaving any part of the nest behind means allowing the colony to multiply and come back.
It Is Easy to Misidentify the Problem
Termite damage can look similar to damage from other wood-destroying insects. Altamonte Springs is also home to carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and wood borers. These pests don’t require the same treatment.
You will waste time and money if you misidentify what caused the damage and use the wrong product, leaving the problem unaddressed. Professional termite inspectors are trained to identify termite species and use the right treatment for the right pest.
Improper Use of Chemicals Can Be Dangerous
Many over-the-counter termite products contain strong chemicals. You could harm yourself, your family, or your pets if you do not apply them correctly. Also, you might breathe in fumes, touch treated surfaces, or contaminate nearby food or water sources by using chemicals.
Professional exterminators are licensed and trained to handle these chemicals safely. They also know how much to use and where to apply it.
Termites Cause Expensive Damage
Termites eat wood 24 hours a day. The longer they are active in your home, the more damage they do.
You might think the problem is gone because the visible signs have disappeared, but termites can still be active deeper in the structure.
Florida Termites Are Tough
Florida houses different species of termites, including the dreaded Formosan subterranean termite. These termites are known for building massive colonies and causing serious damage quickly. They are also much harder to control than other types of termites. Professionals use advanced methods such as baiting systems and liquid barrier treatments that are specially designed for the types of termites to address.
DIY Treatments Do Not Come With a Guarantee
Licensed termite exterminators usually offer a warranty or follow-up visits to make sure the treatment worked. They will treat your home if termites come back without additional charges.
DIY termite control does not involve a backup plan. You will spend more money trying something else if it does not work, leaving the termites chewing away at your home.