How to Get Rid of Termites in Washington
- 1). Identify the species of termite you have. Dampwood termites prey only on damp wood and are very large. They live only in wood but can travel through soil. Subterranean termites are smaller and can eat both damp and dry wood. Knowing which type of termite you have will present you with several treatment options.
- 2). Correct any structural problems to get rid of dampwood termites. This includes leaky pipes, places where damp wood comes into contact with the soil and damp wood piles. Get rid of these sources of food to drive the dampwood termites away.
- 3). Treat for subterranean termites with more aggressive steps. Find the termite colony. Treating the colony is the best and most efficient way to kill termites. Look in trees, under the eaves of buildings, in attics and basements and in sheltered spots like wood stacks and under steps. If you find the colony, spray liquid termite treatment directly into the colony to kill the termites.
- 4). Treat for termites around the property regardless of whether you found the colony. Put termite baits in areas where you have seen termite activity. "Rig" the baits with pieces of wood and slow-acting pesticide, then place them in the ground. Termites will be tempted inside by the wood, then carry the slow-acting pesticide back to the colony on their legs and antennae to do its work. This is a way to attack the colony without actually finding it.
- 5). Spray the area with liquid termite treatment. Spray the treatment into the ground in areas where there has been termite activity, and on any trees or structures that exhibit termite damage. Liquid termite treatment kills termites on contact, but will not do anything to attack the colony.
- 6). Destroy the colony after you have killed the termites, if you can find it. Cut it down and throw it away or bury it to prevent future termites from moving in and using the structure.