One encounter with termites brings along lifelong paranoia. Your perfect house being infested with termites is something that needs immediate attention. You might have hired the best termite control company and chosen the best treatment available. But the fear lingers. Are the termites gone? Is the treatment working? Here’s how you can be sure that the termite treatment is doing its job.

Signs that your termite treatment is working 

The effectiveness of the termite treatment and the results might vary according to the treatment that you have chosen and the way it was administered. Here are some common signs that indicate that the termite treatment is working.

1. Noticeable decrease in termite activity 

If you have been regularly noting termite activity around your house or garden then a reduction in this activity is the most obvious sign of effective termite treatment.

How to check? 

• Revisit areas where you first noticed termite activity. Also, check areas where the termites might have moved. For example, subterranean termites tend to prefer damp areas near foundations, basements, and more, while drywood termites prefer furniture, wooden frames, etc.  
• Look around the house for fresh mud tubes, droppings, or wings. 

2. Dead termites around your home 

If the termite infestation is severe, you might even notice visible dead termites around your property. This is common when liquid termite treatment is administered since the termiticides are used to kill termites on contact.

If you find a cluster of dead termites in or near your property, avoid handling them. Instead, monitor the area for further activity or new movements.

Also Read: Top 5 Subterranean Termite Treatment Methods: Which One is Right for You?

3. Decreased activity in the mud tubes 

Subterranean termites use mud tubes to travel between their colony and food source. They use the tubes to keep themselves protected from external threats. These mud tubes are often found along the foundation of your home, on walls, or even under floors.

You can check these tubes for termite activity. Gently break open a small area of a mud tube and observe. If you notice termites emerging from the tube, then the colony is active. Even if no termites appear, if the broken part of the mud tube is sealed in the following days, know that the termites are still visiting your home.

4. Persistent and new termite activity 

New mud tubes or damage in parts of wood that were good earlier are signs that the termites are thriving and continuing to ravage your home. Be on the constant lookout for new signs of termite infestation or damage.

What if the treatment isn’t working? 

Against your greatest hopes, you continue to see termite activity after the treatment. What should you do now?

• Contact your termite control company 

The treatment that they have provided for you isn’t doing its job. Immediately contact your termite control company, and they will send an inspector to confirm the active infestation. Then the professional inspector will inform you about further actions, whether it is a second treatment or a different course of treatment.  

• Switch treatment methods 

If you think that the particular termite control method that you used before is the problem, then you can try a different method. For example, if liquid termite treatment does not produce satisfactory results, then you can try switching to baiting systems or heat treatment. Make sure to consult with your termite control professional since they would know about the termite lifecycle and habits, along with the methods that work best for the specific kind of termites and the extent of the infestation. 

• Seek a second opinion 

If the termite control company that you associated with before does not provide a proper response or if their response is not satisfactory, then it is best to seek a second opinion. Various advancements have been made in the termite control industry, and with proper research and a supportive company, you will be able to find the best solution for your termite problem.

HiTech Termite Control  

Looking for a termite company that provides the best treatment options? HiTech Termite Control is at your service. We use the most advanced technologies to control termite problems and we provide annual termite inspection services. We offer a three-year full-structure warranty with certain treatments. Book your free inspection here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my termite treatment is working?

 You can tell by a noticeable decrease in termite activity and fewer mud tubes or damage on your property.

2. What signs indicate that the treatment is effective?

Look for reduced termite movement, dead termites around the treated areas, and fewer new mud tubes.

 3. How should I check for termite activity?

 Revisit spots where you first noticed termites, inspect nearby areas, and gently check mud tubes for any signs of movement.

4. What if I still see termite activity after treatment?

Contact your termite control company immediately. They might recommend a follow-up treatment or a different method.

5. Can I switch to another termite control method if needed?

 Yes, if liquid treatments aren’t working, consider methods like baiting systems or heat treatment after consulting a professional.

6. When should I seek a second opinion?

If your current termite control company isn’t resolving the issue, get a second opinion to explore other advanced treatment options.