Hawaii’s year-round warm climate is perfect for individuals who love the sun and a good tan, but the higher temperatures also make it an ideal breeding ground for termites to thrive. If you’re wondering how to get rid of termites in Hawaii, we’ve got the answers you need.

About Termites

Before you learn how to get rid of termites in Hawaii, it’s important to know how to identify them and their typical behaviors.

Termites fall into the roach family and can be identified by their two pairs of straight wings, whitish color, straight antennae, their distinct waist, and their broad abdomen. They thrive best in tropical regions, subtropics, and warmer climates, hence their success rates in Hawaii.

Generally, termites in Hawaii are active from spring to fall. However, since the climate in Hawaii is consistently warm, it’s not unusual to see them during the winter season as well.

It’s widely known that termites feed on wood and cellulose material, so it’s not uncommon to have an infestation right in the walls of your home or business. Their colonies are made up of workers, soldiers, and swarmers – all of whom are very persistent and discreet.

Termites can live and thrive directly in cellulose material such as lumber, and they don’t need any direct contact with soil to survive. That’s why it’s so easy for them to make a home within your house.

Termites Infestations

Because termites are secretive insects, you may not actually see one of them until it’s too late. However, there are lots of other signs that you can look out for that might reveal the hidden problem.

Where there’s an infestation, there’s waste. One of the main signs you might notice of a termite infestation is the droppings. You can identify these particular droppings by their similarity to sawdust.

Of course, damaged wood is another significant sign that you have a termite problem. However, serious damage probably indicates that you’ve had termites for some time, so you shouldn’t rely on this as your first and only sign; the damage is already done.

If you have a termite problem, you may also see swarmers around your property. These types of termites will emerge from nests in large groups, looking for mates. If they’re outside, they will fly briefly, then land, shed their wings, and continue their search. If they’re inside, you will most often see them near light sources.

Getting Rid of Termites

Like many pests, termites originate in areas where there is a consistent food source and moisture, so homeowners and businesses should start by making sure food isn’t left out in their reach, and there are no leaky pipes or faucets.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of termites in Hawaii on your own, there are many do-it-yourself treatments involving poisons and traps that you can try. You can also try treating the soil surrounding your property to get rid of any lingering members of the colony.

While you can certainly try to get rid of a termite infestation on your own, it’s crucial to remember that your home or business is likely one of your most valuable assets. If left untreated, or treated in a sub-par way, termites can pose a huge risk for the structure of a building and result in extensive necessary repairs.

Because of the potential severity of the situation, it’s always best to consult a professional termite control service as soon as you recognize the problem. Sandwich Isle offers free consultations and expert services to eliminate pesky termites in Hawaii at the source. Contact our team today for more information.