Why You Need to Skip the DIY Termite Treatment & Call a Professional
Original Publish Date: March 01, 2022 | Updated: April 10, 2025
Unfortunately, bears in the forest and little squirrels on your lawn are not the only critters emerging from wintertime hideouts (e.g., a nest, burrow, den, or cave). Termites emerge in the spring, too. Though, instead of hibernating, they spend the winter in deep underground tunnels and resume their usual activity away from the cold conditions.
After termites emerge at the beginning of spring months, they never stop feeding on wood, leaving it weak and brittle with damaging outcomes for homes. Because these bugs chew perpetually, they rack up the cost for homeowners all around the U.S. for property damage that insurance often doesn’t cover.
In this blog, we’ll explore the locations where termites pose the most significant threats, the signs of termite damage, our thoughts on DIY termite treatment, and the three action steps for implementing effective termite prevention. Keep reading to learn more!
Locational Information
Termites love to infest areas that are warm and wet. Areas with colder weather have fewer issues because the termites will die. Here is a list of the top 5 most termite-infested cities in the United States:
- Mobile, Alabama
- San Antonio, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Tampa, Florida
- Los Angeles, California
And the list doesn’t stop there! If you’re worried about more places on the “no-go” list, we encourage you to be proactive by asking us about the places you should avoid.
Did you know that termites are found in every state except Alaska? So, if you’re terrified of an infestation, maybe you should pack your bags, grab a heavy coat, and head north!
Signs of Termites
Signs of wood damage include:
- Traces of Sawdust
- Wood Chips
- Gnawed-At Wood
- Newly Weak or Hollow Wood
- Termite Tunnels: 0.5-1 inch holes that termites could slip through, etc.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for signs of moisture, drainage problems, leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow.
Termite Prevention and Treatment Steps for Homeowners
#1: Don’t use a DIY Termite Treatment—Hire a Professional
Once termites enter your property and infest any wood they can reach, it’s too late to prevent them. When it comes to DIY termite treatments, they are simply too weak to obliterate them entirely and guarantee there’ll be no stragglers. You’re going to need a pest control professional.
Call Vulcan Termite, and we’ll come by for a professional pest management inspection and prepare to use our effective, comprehensive termite solutions.
#2: Clean Up
Remove woodpiles and other outside debris on your lawn to eliminate potential nesting spots for termites.
#3: Be Proactive
As the homeowner, you can play an active role in your property’s termite control when your pest control provider comes by. Now that you know the signs of termite-inflicted wood damage, you can search for it, note what you find, and point pest control experts in the right direction.
However, it’s not a problem if you don’t take this step for any reason. Our experts thoroughly investigate and ensure that every inch of your property is termite-free, but a little head start can help trim down your appointment time.
Who Ya Gonna Call?
The Vulcan Termite & Pest Control team, of course! If you have a termite issue, we are your pest control heroes and are ready to help! Call us!