Drywood termites are found mostly in warm, coastal regions, primarily California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia.

Boric acid is one of the most common and effective ways to dispatch termites. In fact, it is the main insecticide used in many store-bought termite insecticides. Check on the bait station regularly and replenish it with boric acid as needed. You should see the termite carcasses nearby. Boric acid is relatively non-toxic, so it’s safe to use around children and pets.

Injection is effective if you know exactly where the termite colony is. However, if you miss any termites, they will continue to breed inside your wooden structure.

Keep in mind that heat treatments may not be suitable for all structures. If you have heat-sensitive materials in your structure (like plastic) that cannot be removed, you may want to choose a different method.

Drywood termites can cause a lot of damage to wooden structures. It’s important to get rid of them fast to prevent issues later on.

For use in soil temperatures above 60 °F (16 °C), use nematodes immediately after they are purchased. If you do not use them immediately, store them in a refrigerator. Release the nematodes in the early morning or after sunset, as UV light will harm them. Subterranean termites can be found anywhere in the states.

Termite baits are not toxic to humans or animals, so they’re safe to use around your home.

You can use liquid pesticide or foam pesticide to inject soil. To use foam pesticide, stick the nozzle of the canister into the soil, then pull the trigger. [9] X Research source

Subterranean termites often leave “mud tubes” in a trail along the side of wood or foundation. They also like moist and soft wood, whereas drywood termites prefer dried out wood. Drywood termites are typically white or brown, while subterranean termites are usually dark brown or black.

You may also find a termite nest on your property; a subterranean termite infestation will build a system of tunnels and tubes of mud, while a drywood termite infestation will present itself in a nest inside the wood. [12] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.

Take a screwdriver and flashlight with you to your basement, and examine crawlspaces and foundation beams by tapping on the wood to check for hollowness and to push the screwdriver into the wood to test for strength. If the wood gives easily and falls apart, you may have a termite problem on your hands. As you look for termites, keep an eye out for their waste, too. Termite droppings are wood colored or darker brown pellets of excrement. The presence of these droppings near weakened wood could indicate an infestation.

Subterranean termites typically do much more damage to a home than drywood termites do.

Dirty wet gutters are also an ideal home for termites, so keep your gutters free of debris for further prevention, too.

If you’re building a new structure, look into adding termite barriers to the foundation or walls. This material is specifically made to keep termites away from your home.

Keep vegetation 6–12 in (15–30 cm) away from your home so termites are less likely to come in. [18] X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.

Screens on your doors, window and porch are also a necessity if you are wary of a termite infestation.

While you can inspect your own property, it’s recommended that you get a professional to do it. Termites can be hard to find, especially since they tend to congregate in dark, secluded areas.