Termites are one of the most destructive pests around, so when they appear, you need to act quickly to protect your home. Some simple measures can help control an infestation, while certain easy mistakes can interfere with your pest treatment. Follow these tips to get rid of termites quickly and permanently.

Do:

Eliminate entry points.

Termites get into your home through openings and cracks in the foundation and exterior walls. Even the narrowest, most inconsequential crack can hide a way into the house, so seal every opening you can find.

Check your yard.

It's not enough to have your exterminator treat the house. Some kinds of termites establish their nests in the ground outside, so those will need to be treated too. These pests also need sources of food and water to establish a colony. Check your yard for water leaks which may be contributing to the problem.

Use multiple treatments.

It may take more than one visit for your exterminator to completely get rid of the pest problem, especially if they're coming in from outside. Keep an eye out for more termites in the months following the first treatment.

Don't:

Use pesticide indoors.

The pesticides used for termites are often also toxic to humans and pets, so you shouldn't use them inside without professional help. If you use them outside, you'll need to stay away from those areas and keep children and animals away.

Store wood in your yard.

Any source of wood too close to your home can provide a bridge for termites to get inside. This includes wood mulch as part of your landscaping, stacks of firewood, wooden trellises, and any stumps or roots left after tree removal.

Rely on DIY solutions.

The longer termites are allowed to remain in your home, the more damage they'll do and the more likely you will need costly repairs. It's important to treat them correctly the first time, and the best person to do that is a trained, licensed exterminator.

To treat a termite infestation in Central Missouri, contact Denning Pest Control. Based in Jefferson City, MO, and serving Columbia and surrounding areas for over 60 years, this locally operated crew is fully licensed, certified, and insured to provide safe, effective, and affordable pest control for both bugs and rodents. To schedule a visit, call (573) 442-4010 or reach out online.