Being eco-friendly in the modern world can be tough. Being eco-friendly for termite treatment, however, may seem downright impossible.
Chemicals are quite the opposite of safe for the environment. Surprisingly, however, there are quite a few ways to tackle termites without harming mother nature.
Prevention
For termites, prevention is the best treatment. By preventing an infestation before it starts, you won’t have to even consider fumigation or chemicals. And, thankfully, nature offers us quite a few eco-friendly ways to ward off these tiny crawlers.
Keep their food far away
As you have probably heard, termites are so damaging because they feast on wood. Many termites are attracted to homes due to nearby firewood, logs, or other wood-related debris that families may throw away or store near the home. Do your best to keep wood inside or far away.
Be strategic with your decking
Many companies offer chemically treated wood to keep termites away from your wooden deck. When constructing your deck, consider using some naturally termite resistant wood, such as redwood, cedar, or cypress.
Try talking to local experts about what type of termite resistant wood is available in your area. It may be more expensive than traditional decking material, but you can rest assured that you won’t be inviting termites to your next backyard patio party!
A little bit of chemical can prevent a whole lot of hurt
Termite infestations always start when a termite scout is sent to find a new snacking ground. By setting up bits of wood treated with termiticide, you can limit the amount of chemicals you’d have to use in the future. Many termiticides are designed to not affect ants or earthworms.
Treatment
Sometimes, no matter how many measures you take for prevention, termites can still end up in the walls. Many homeowners are left with no option but to try to fumigate their homes. There’s a few things you can consider or keep in mind as you go through the termite removal process.
Beware of greenwashing
The large global push for eco-friendly living has been fantastic for many people, but some companies see the green revolution as an opportunity to scam people out of money. Companies may advertise as being “green” in order to attract customers but use dangerous chemicals regardless of their environmental effect. Be sure to do your research on a company before calling for an appointment.
Don’t try to DIY
Termite infestations are one of the processes always best left to the professionals. Keep in mind that you’re dealing with the very foundation of your house—gambling with a do it yourself remedy could both be ineffective and allow the pests to continue causing further damage.
Try alternative treatments
Many termite companies offer alternative treatments with less or no chemicals involved. Treatment styles could include electrocution, freezing, or using parasites that feed on termites but are harmless to you or your home. Companies may also use borates, which are safe chemicals that kill termites on contact or consumption. More recently, liquid nitrogen has been used to kill termite populations. There are many alternatives to traditional fumigation being offered globally; be sure to research the options in your area.
Don’t break the bank
If you have to use chemical fumigation, try reducing the cost you spend and donating a bit of money to a green organization or your own green living lifestyle to try to balance out the bad. This great termite treatment cost comparison calculator can help you figure out which company in your nearby area will offer you the best price.
Remember, Termites Aren’t All Bad
While termites can be infuriating when they’re living in your walls, keep in mind that every animal and insect serves an important function in the global ecosystem. Termites, for example, are crucial for creating and enriching soil.
Termite removal can be frustrating, but with proper eco-friendly steps, they’ll be out in a snap!
Article Submitted By Community Writer