Making Sure Termites Don’t Take Hold: 3 Simple Tips for Using Termite Stakes

Using termite stakes is an effective way to prevent and control a termite infestation. Knowing exactly what to do with termite stakes, however, can be a bit tricky. To help you get the most out of your termite stakes, here are 3 tips to keep in mind when using them.

Use Exteriorly Only
It’s important to remember that termite stakes are meant for use outside of your home. Applying these stakes inside can cause poisoning of your family pets and even young children. The chemical on the stakes stops the process by which termites get their nutrition. Place the stakes outside and make sure that you cover the perimeter of your home by placing a stake every 20 feet and 6 feet away from the home. Be sure to pound the stakes all the way into the ground so they are no longer visible.

Use As Preventative Measure Only

If you know that you have an active termite infestation inside your home, using the stakes will not help. Termites travel through the ground to get inside, so termite stakes are only effective at preventing an infestation rather than killing an established one. Do not waste money on termite stakes if these insects are already inhabiting your home.

Create Wood Chips Out Of Stakes
A great way to prevent a termite infestation is to create wood chips out of termite stakes. Dig a trench around your home that is at least 10 inches deep, 3 inches wide, and 6 feet from your home. Take a bundle of termite stakes, break them into small chips with a wood chipper, and spread them evenly in the trench. Once the trench is full, cover it with soil and tamp it down. The worker termites will feed off the stakes, transport them back to the colony, and the other termites will have a difficult time getting through the poison-treated barricade.

Overall, following the above 3 tips when using termite stakes will help you protect your home and control a possible infestation. Place them in exterior areas only, use them only as preventative measure, and create wood chips out of them to create a barrier. With these steps in mind, you’re sure to get the most out of your termite stakes.