Termites can be fascinating animals because of their organization and how they build their nests, but only if you are a spectator. If you have them in your home, believe me, you won’t find them fascinating.
These insects are known for devouring wood, and although they seem very small, when they gather in large groups they can wreak havoc. That’s why termite activity is quite common for wood homeowners, but how can you tell if your home is a victim of these devourers?
Table of Contents
Do Termites Smell?
Termites have no odor, although they communicate with each other via a pheromone called isopentyl acetate, which they use to organize themselves into constructions, mate, warn of dangers, and so on.
In large groups, termites smell like the damp musty environments they are found in, they tend to smell like mildew or mold.
Of course, the smell of rotting wood is a clear indication that you have these invaders in your home, and you better find their nest because they will not stop until they chew through everything.
Some people are able to smell a sweet honey-like odor coming from the termite queen to attract mates.
Remember, a single termite won’t smell like anything to you, not even when it dies, but if you detect some of these types of smells, you will likely find a hive.
What Do Termite Droppings Smell Like?
If you don’t rely so much on your sense of smell, another sign of a termite infestation is to find their feces, which they usually leave in small holes in the walls.
Termite feces are tiny balls that together look like coffee grounds, and they have a musty, fungal odor, although their scent is not as strong.
Once you detect a termite colony in your home, it’s time to take action.
How To Eliminate Termite Odor
Eradicate the termites. As obvious as it sounds, it’s the best method to get rid of their subtle smell once and for all, and save your home in the process.
Eliminate Moisture
Since termites thrive in damp environments, you need to eliminate moisture from in and around your home.
Damp soil should be avoided. Landscaping is one way to keep water from pooling around the foundation of your home through all sorts of systems.
It’s a good idea to repair faucets and pipes immediately, especially those on the outside of the house, water damage is often a breeding ground for termites.
Discard food sources
Termites’ favorite food is damp wood, but their diet also includes damp leaves, grass, and paper, so don’t hesitate to get rid of those items or at least store them in a place inaccessible to these insects.
Boric acid
Boric acid is an ideal product you can get in any pharmacy and it will help you fight against a termite problem and other insects.
You only have to mix it with a little condensed milk to form small balls and place them in the places where you think the termites are going to eat them.
This will eventually lead to their death, as the boric acid components prevent them from digesting the food. However, over time the termites may recognize the acid in the pellets and avoid them. This is a short-term solution.
Corner sealing
It may be a little late to give you this advice if you suspect you have a termite infestation, but it still doesn’t hurt to seal cracks and other nooks and crannies where termites can sneak in. It is important to check the furniture in your home, especially older ones, to make sure they are in good condition.
Vetiver oil can be particularly effective. Vetiver oil is only good if you do not yet have signs of termites or want to avoid new infestations, i.e. to prevent.
Baits with pesticide
You can place baits with pesticides in various strategic spots for the termites to find and take it to the heart of their nest, which will kill many of the colony. The downside is that it is a slower process and they will eventually recognize the trap as boric acid pellets.
Protect furniture
Furniture is one of the favorite places where termites can cause significant damage, so you must protect it with a series of treatments that will help you keep control in your home.
It is important to clean the furniture with an anti-termite liquid, especially in the cavities that the object may have; it is also advisable to varnish the furniture to prevent termites from entering it.
Call a professional exterminator
It should be noted that all of the above methods are merely treatments to fight termites, but none of them ensure their total eradication. Therefore, it is always best to call a professional pest control service that will make sure to uproot the problem. Goodbye to the source of the smell.
It sounds expensive but believe me, a termite control expert could save more money with this option than using the other methods in the long run.
Get Rid Of The Musty Smell For Good
Termites are fascinating but also annoying and mostly silent insects, so if you detect an unexplained musty, moldy, or damp smell of termites in your home, it’s time to act, because the wood-eaters have invaded.
