The sight of termites around the windowsill can be a matter of concern for you.
To understand the level of infestation, you must first observe the signs of termites in windowsills. Because some of the signs point towards a mild infestation and some towards a major infestation.
To get rid of termites in windowsills, you need to be aware of the level of termite infestation. Because according to that you have to take steps.
In this article, apart from explaining the mild and major signs of termite infestation in window sills, I will also explain to you how to get rid of termites in window sills effectively by using Boric acid and Termidor Foam.
But before that, we will know why do termites like windowsills so much or why they attract towards window sills?
Do Termites Like Window Sills?
A lot of people ask me why do termites appear around window sills Do window sills attract them?
Window sills do not attract termites, but cracks or dampness in window sills attract them. If your window sills have cracks, pits, or dampness, fix them immediately, otherwise, the chances of getting termites are very high.
The material of window sills also matters a lot. Wooden and tiled window sills attract termites more whereas stone sills are less prone to termite infestation.
If you want to protect your window sills from termite infestation, keep your window sills as dry as possible.
And do not place any wet object such as cardboard, newspaper, or magazines on your window sills or keep any wet wood adjacent to them, all these things attract termites to the window sills.
Now let’s talk about what are the signs of termites on the window sill and which signs indicate mild and major infestations.
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Mild or Early Signs of Termites in Window Sill:
First of all, let’s look at the signs that point towards a mild infestation of termites in the window sill.
Swollen Surface of Window Sill:
If you notice a slight swelling on the surface of your window sill, this is a significant early sign of termites.
This sign is mostly seen on wooden window sills. It happens because termites retain moisture under the window sills with their excrement and the moisture causes swelling or tiny bumps on the surface of wooden window sills.
Rot in the Window Sill:
This sign is also mostly seen on wooden window sills. When termites start feeding on the wood fibers in the wood sill, the place starts rotting due to the weakening of the wood.
A little rot means a mild infestation that can be easily controlled. But if your window sill has got a lot of rot, it’s a cause for concern.
Pinholes on the Window Sill:
Termites sometimes accidentally come out of their colonies in search of food. When they come out, tiny holes are formed at that place that is also known as pinholes in the Pest Control terminology.
Later these termites fill these small holes back with their excrement that looks like mud so that the air does not get inside and the moisture does not dry up.
Two or three pinholes indicate a mild infestation. But if there are too many pinholes and flying termites are coming out of them. It indicates a major termite infestation
Hollow Sound When Tapped on Window Sill:
Termites start hollowing out the structure of the window sill by eating it from inside. Due to that, you hear a hollow sound when you tap on its surface.
These are the four important termite early signs that point towards a mild infestation. Now, let’s look at some signs that tell you about a major infestation.
Signs of Major Termite Infestation in Window Sill:
These signs indicate the stage of a termite infestation where the infestation has widespread and is not easy to control.
Flying Termites in Window Sill:
The presence of flying termites indicates a widespread termite infestation in your home.
These flying termites come out of their colonies when there is not enough food and space in the old colony and they come out to establish new colonies.
These flying termites usually come out during their mating season by forming exit holes. When they are mating, their feathers break off and they start gathering around the window sills.
Note: You have to spot first whether the exit holes are in the window sill or they are coming from somewhere else.
For example, they can also come from the walls, ceilings, or any wooden component.
Dead Termites Around Window Sill:
When termites move out of their old colonies to establish new colonies, many of them die as soon as they come out. These dead termites then start congregating around your window sill.
It is not necessary that if you see dead termites around the window sill, then they are coming from the window sill itself.
Termites can also come from walls, ceilings, or even a wooden component as they are attracted to the light sources, they run towards windows.
Termite Droppings In Window Sill:
The appearance of termite droppings around your window sill also indicates a very major infestation.
When termites clean their nests, they throw out all their feces through pinholes. And that excreta starts appearing in the form of small pellet-shaped mounds around the window sill.
Mud Tubes Around Window Sill:
Subterranean termites build soil tunnels to carry food from the food source to their nest.
These mud tubes not only help the termites to carry food but also block the outside air which helps termites to retain moisture and keep them alive.
As soon as you see such mud tubes around the window sill, remove any items such as newspaper, cardboard, any wooden object placed there with immediate effect.
Mud tubes like these indicate a fatal infestation of subterranean termites. If the infestation is not controlled quickly, it can damage any expensive furniture or items lying in your home.
Now you must be thinking that how to get rid of termites on the window sill?
Whether the infestation is mild or major, the remedies that I am going to tell you will do wonders if you have termites on the window sill. So let’s dive into it.
Effective Method to Get Rid of Termites in Window Sill:
These methods will effectively eliminate the termites in the window sill whether the infestation is mild or major.
Use Of Termidor Foam:
Termidor foam is a very popular and economical method to get rid of termites.
It is popular because it is based on “transfer effect technology” also known as non-repellent technology.
When the termites come in contact with Termidor Foam, they transfer it to their entire colony. This is how it can not only kill visible termites but also the entire hidden colony in one go.
Compared to other pest repellents of non-repellent technology, it is much more affordable and its effect also lasts longer.
It is most commonly used for termite infestations on window sills, walls, ceilings, floors.
Boric Acid With Propylene Glycol:
This method will only work on wooden window sills. Boric acid acts as a natural non-repellent. That means, once the termites ingest it, they spread it throughout its nest.
Boric acid alone cannot reach the deep inside wood fibers, so propylene glycol is used in combination with boric acid for wood treatments.
Propylene glycol carries the boric acid to the deep inside of the wood fibers so that the termites stuck to the wood fibers die from its effect.
How to Use?
Step 1: First of all you will need:
- A large paint brush
- 1 Litre of Proplyne Glycol
- 180 grams Boric Acid
- And a saucepan
Step 2: First of all you have to take a saucepan in which 1-liter propylene glycol has to be poured. Now you have to dissolve 180 grams of boric acid into it at 25 degrees.
Step 3: Now you have to take out 200 grams of the solution and pour it into a bowl, in which you have to dilute it further by adding water in equal quantity.
Stp 4: Now you have to apply a thick coating all over the wooden window sill with a paintbrush.
Once the solution is absorbed into the wood of the window sill, it will start working within 48 hours and will kill all termites on ceiling within a week.
How To Prevent Termites in Window Sills?
You have to take care of a few things mentioned below so that you can protect your window sills from termites.
- Do not allow dampness to enter the window sill.
- Do not let cracks come on the window sill. And if the sill is broken somewhere then fix it immediately.
- Do not place objects like wet wood, wet paper or cardboard, plants on the window sill at all.
- Be sure to use a Boracare when painting window sills. It provides a lifelong protection from termites.
- As soon as you see any of the above-mentioned mild infestation signs, you should treat them with immediate effect.
- If there is leakage etc. anywhere in your house, fix it soon.
- If you do not get enough sunlight in your home, then definitely use a dehumidifier.
Conclusion:
However, if you identify mild termite infestation signs on your window sill beforehand, you won’t have to work hard to get rid of them.
But if the infestation is widespread, you do not need to worry, you can control it by using both the above-mentioned measures. These methods work amazingly well.
Once you get rid of a termite infestation on a window sill, it’s important to keep them from coming back. You can follow the prevention measures mentioned in this article and prevent termites from coming back.
I believe now you better understand, how to get rid of termites in the window sill and keep them from coming back. Please share your valuable opinion in the comment section below.
What are some effective treatment options for termites in window sills?
There are several treatment methods, including both chemical and non-chemical ones. The best course of action for your unique circumstance may be determined by consulting with a reputable pest control business.
Can I treat termites in the window sill myself?
Although DIY remedies are an option, getting expert help is usually advised. Termite infestations can be complicated, but experts have the skills and knowledge to successfully get rid of the issue.
Can I repair the damaged wood in the window sill after termite treatment?
You may fix or replace the damaged wood once the termites have been removed and the frame of the window has been declared termite-free. Make sure the new material is appropriately treated and shielded from termite assaults going forward.
How often should I have my window sills inspected for termites?
Regularly, Expert termite checks should be conducted at least once a year. Before the problem gets out of hand, they may spot any early indications of termite activity and take preventive action.