Deep within the bowels of NYC, a dangerous criminal lurks. This sneaky criminal is known for its home-destroying, wood-eating, never-sleeping habits. When these pests break into your home, you will need to come pre-armed with the knowledge of how to get rid of termites in New York City.
Termite Treatment Options in NYC
New Yorkers know a thing or two about dealing with unwelcome pests attempting to invade their space. NYC rats may come to mind most often, but residents also deal with many other types of pests, including termites. Preparing yourself with an arsenal of knowledge is the best way to keep them from tearing up your home.
Bait Termiticide
In termite bait systems, a slow-acting poison is placed in a bait station along with cellulose to lure termites to consume it. Termites then return to their nest to spread the poison throughout the colony. Upon their exit, they also leave behind a colony-specific scent that will lead more termites to the bait station to consume it, further spreading the poison.
While this method is better for the environment than liquid termiticide, it is an incredibly slow process. There’s also no guarantee that termites will find the bait, but due to the placement of the bait, the stations are usually very effective. This option is also typically more expensive because it requires technicians to visit more often to check on the stations and replenish the poisoned cellulose.
Pros
- More eco-friendly than liquids
- Painless installation
- Not as invasive as liquids
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Takes time to work
- Additional monitoring required
Liquid Termiticide
This traditional way to treat termites is also the most commonly used method. Pest control technicians insert the termiticide into holes around the perimeter of your property. This may require drilling into a patio, porch, or other concrete slabs. Liquid termiticide is sold as a repellent or non-repellent chemical.
Pros
- Commonly available
- Lasting solution
Cons
- Treatment can be invasive
- Technicians may need to drill
Pro Tip: Termiticides are also available as dusts or foams.
Fumigation (Tenting)
This is by far the most invasive treatment. Fumigation, also known as “tenting” is an extensive form of termite treatment saved for extreme infestations. Termite tenting requires residents to spend a few nights away from their homes.
The treatment process begins with the pest control company placing an air-tight tent over your house. Then a gas fumigant is pumped inside and left for at least 24 hours. During this time the fumigant will seep into every pore in your home to kill any and all termites in its path.
Pros
- Kills all pests, not just termites
- Most effective type of treatment
Cons
- Multi-day process
- Most expensive option
- Home must be vacated for at least 24 hours or up to a few days
Bonus: Using a fumigant treatment is effective on not just all types of termites but also any other pests that might be hiding out inside your home. However, if you have subterranean termites, you will need to use a second type of treatment for those that escape the fumigant’s wrath by hiding in the soil where they build their nests.
Heat Treatment
New Yorkers seeking a chemical-free method of eliminating termites can consider using heat. Operators use heaters to heat an infected area to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 33 minutes. This will ultimately kill the termites feeding on the infected wood.
While an eco-friendly treatment might seem perfect, it does have its limitations. It can be difficult to heat wood that is in contact with concrete to a lethal temperature, making this treatment not always a reliable method depending on the space you’re treating.
Pros
- Free of toxic chemicals
- Faster to execute than fumigation
- Often used for spot treatment
Cons
- Efficacy varies
- Heating wood to lethal temperatures can be difficult
- Proper protocols must be followed to avoid heat damage to some objects
Non-Chemical Treatments
For those looking for environmentally friendly treatment options, there are a few methods. However, these treatments are only effective on localized drywood termite infestations. If you have a different type of termite, you will need to use one of the traditional methods.
Microwave: Microwave technology is used on the infected area to “cook” the termites to death.
Freeze: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the termites to death when injected into the area they are currently devouring.
Electrocute: High-voltage and high-frequency electrical currents are combined to electrocute termites using a piece of equipment called an Electro-Gun.
Pros
- Spot treatment
- Chemical-free
- Only takes a few hours to complete the process
Cons
- Not suitable for severe infestations
- No effective for all termite types
- Treatments not widely available
Signs of Termites in NYC
Hidden within your home’s inner workings, a destructive, home-destroying pest could be slowly munching on your house. Being able to recognize the signs of termites is key to finding and treating a termite problem while it is still small and not a full-on invasion of your entire home.
Signs of termites
- Damaged wood: Use the tap test to determine if the wood sounds hollow. If so, call a professional termite control company ASAP to conduct an inspection.
- Damaged flooring: You may see floor damage even if you don’t have wood floors. Termites love the soft wood of floor joists and subflooring.
- Termite droppings: Small piles of what appears to be salt or pepper could in fact be termite droppings.
- Mud tubes: This is a common sign of subterranean termite activity. Mud tubes create pencil-sized tunnels as a way to get from their nest to their food source. They also protect the termites from predators while creating their optimal warm, moist environment. Learn more about this topic in our guide: “What Are Termite Tubes?“
- Peeling, cracked, or bubbling paint: Often a sign of a leak. But it can also be a sign of termites as well.
- Piles of termite wings: When mating season comes, swarmer termites take flight to find their mate and land when they have found a place to create a new nest. Once they land, they immediately discard their wings, which are often found on windowsills or near doors.
Types of Termites in New York
Subterranean termites are native to the New York area and are therefore the most common in the region.
Subterranean
These termites live in the ground beneath homes and commute to work via mud tubes to consume New York residents’ homes. The eastern subterranean is the most common termite species found within the New York City area.
Subterranean physical characteristics:
- 1/8 to 1 inch long
- Range from reddish in color to black, white, or brown
Drywood
While they are not native to New York, drywood termites have been known to travel from the western or southern coastal parts of the country inside wood furniture to create a new home in the Big Apple.
Drywood termite physical characteristics:
- 1/4 to 1 inch long
- Light brown colored to cream-white
How To Prevent Termites
When it comes to termites in New York, the name of the game is prevention, prevention, prevention.
- Clear out any dead or dying trees or branches promptly.
- Regularly inspect all wood in your outdoor living spaces and don’t delay regular maintenance, such as pruning trees of damaged limbs.
- Utilize splash blocks or downspout extensions, and regularly clean your gutters to minimize moisture buildup.
- Treat all wood that comes in contact with the soil before it touches the ground.
- Be on the lookout for leaks or drainage issues, and promptly repair any problems.
- Keep moisture levels down with a screened vent or humidifier in attics and crawl spaces.
- Always keep firewood covered, away from your home, and several inches off the ground.
- Call a pest control company for an annual termite inspection each year.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
Figuring out what to expect to pay for termite treatment can be tricky. The size of the infestation and the size of your home, as well as the type of treatment, will be factored into your termite treatment cost.
The average homeowner should expect to pay about $558 for termite treatment. Nationwide, residents pay between $275 and $863.
FAQ About Termites in NYC
When is Swarming Season in New York?
Spring is the time you will see termites swarming in New York. The eastern subterranean termite swarms from March to May.
Can You Have More Than One Type of Termite?
Yes. Multiple types or species of termites can be slowly working their way through the walls of your home. Always consult a professional to inspect your home and verify the type or types of termites inhabiting your house.
Which Termite Treatment Works Best?
There is no one termite treatment that is a one-size-fits-all answer. The termite treatment that will work best for your home depends on several variables, such as infestation size, location, and termite type. Always contact a professional termite inspector for an official inspection and treatment recommendation.
Ready to Send Those Criminal Termites Away For Good?
When you are ready to hand out final sentencing for the termites squatting in your home, call a professional termite specialist.
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