If termites are damaging your home, you might think about using a bug bomb, also called a fogger, to get rid of them. Bug bombs work for some pests, like cockroaches or fleas, but termites are a much bigger problem.
Here’s why bug bombs don’t work on termites and what you can do instead.
Key Takeaways
- Bug bombs fail to stop termites because they can’t reach hidden areas like walls, wood, or underground spaces.
- Termites survive bug bombs because these only kill exposed pests, leaving their colonies and queens unharmed.
- Professional termite treatments can target entire colonies through fumigation, bait systems, or liquid barriers.
- Prevent termites by fixing leaks, sealing cracks, removing wood piles, and using natural solutions.
WHY BUG BOMBS DON’T WORK ON TERMITES
Bug bombs, or total release foggers, are aerosol cans that release a mist of active ingredients into the air. While this can kill pests you see, it doesn’t reach hidden areas where termites live. Most termites stay inside wood, deep in walls, or underground, making bug bombs useless for them.
Here’s why bug bombs aren’t the right choice for termite infestations:
Termites Live in Hidden Spaces
Subterranean termites travel through tunnels in the soil, and drywood termites burrow deep into the wood. Bug bombs only work on pests out in the open, so they can’t reach termites in these hidden areas.
This allows the infestation to continue even after using a fogger.
They Don’t Kill the Whole Colony
Termites live in large colonies with thousands of workers, soldiers, and a queen. Bug bombs might kill a few termites that are out in the open, but the queen and the rest of the colony are left untouched.
Without killing the colony, termites will keep damaging your home.
They Aren’t Made for Termites
Bug bombs are designed to kill pests like roaches or fleas, not termites.
Termites require targeted treatments, such as liquid termite killers or bait systems, to stop them at the source. These methods are specifically designed to eliminate colonies and prevent further structural damage.
SIGNS YOU HAVE TERMITES
If you’re not sure you have termites, look for these signs of infestations:
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build these tunnels to travel from the soil to your home.
- Droppings: Drywood termites leave tiny, pellet-shaped droppings called frass.
- Damaged Wood: Hollow or blistered wood is a sign termites are eating it from the inside.
- Discarded Wings: Termite swarmers lose their wings after finding a place to start a colony.
BETTER WAYS TO GET RID OF TERMITES
Instead of bug bombs, here are some proven ways to handle a termite problem:
1. Professional Termite Treatment
Professional termite treatment is the most reliable way to protect your home.
For drywood termites, fumigation uses gas to kill termites hiding inside the wood. Liquid treatments, like Termidor, create a protective barrier around your home, killing termites as they move through it.
Baiting systems are another effective option, where termites carry the bait back to their colony, eliminating it over time.
2. DIY Prevention Tips
Natural do-it-yourself treatments can be a good option for keeping these pests under control. Here are a few ways you can use them around your home:
- Boric Acid: Applying boric acid to wood can help keep termites away.
- Repellents: Some natural products, like essential oils, can discourage termites from coming near treated areas.
3. Home Maintenance
Keeping termites away starts with cutting out the things they’re drawn to.
Fix any leaks to keep the wood dry. Termites, like roaches and carpenter ants, love damp areas. Also, get rid of wood piles, tree stumps, and mulch near your home, as these can attract termites and even give bed bugs a place to hide.
Finally, seal up cracks in your walls, foundation, and crawl spaces to stop termites and other pests from sneaking inside.
DON’T WAIT TO PROTECT YOUR HOME
Bug bombs might seem like a quick fix, but they don’t work as termite control.
If you have termites, hiring a professional pest control company is your best option. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to deal with termite infestations effectively.
We can:
- Identify the type of termite and the extent of the infestation.
- Use advanced tools like baiting systems and liquid treatments for long-lasting control.
- Provide a treatment plan that prevents future infestations.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, our exterminators have helped homeowners in Louisiana protect their homes from termites for years. We offer lasting treatments for drywood and subterranean termites tailored to your home’s needs.
If you’re seeing signs of termites or termite damage, contact us today.