Termite control involves understanding the biology and behavior of termites, as well as the different methods used to prevent and eliminate infestations. There are two major categories of termite treatments: soil treatment and baiting.
Soil Treatment
Soil treatment involves creating a barrier between the house and the soil outside to prevent termites from entering the structure. A liquid insecticide is applied to the trench around the house, and in areas covered by concrete or wood, small holes are drilled and insecticides are injected with a rod. This method can be effective for more than 5 years.
Baiting
Baiting is another commonly used termite treatment method. Plastic tubes are installed underground at approximately 10 ft. intervals encircling the house, containing wood and/or toxic bait. Termites foraging around the house will eventually find the wood or bait, and the bait is more palatable than the wood and contains a slow-acting material. The bait is inspected periodically to ensure enough bait remains, and that termites are eliminated.
Types of Termiticides
Termiticides can be grouped into non-repellent and repellent termiticides. Non-repellent termiticides, such as fipronil, imidacloprid, and chlorfenapyr, are relatively slow-acting and allow termites to freely re-enter treated soil, picking up enough dose of the material as they pass through the treated areas and transferring the chemical to their nestmates, causing the death of the whole colony. Repellent termiticides, such as permethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, and bifenthrin, are highly repellent to termites and provide a barrier around the structure.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are a common sign of termite activity. Tubes that are found on ceilings or on upper levels of a building may indicate that you have an above-ground ("aerial") infestation, i.e., the Termite control colony actually lives in the building and the termites are traveling up from the soil. Mud tubes built by an aboveground colony usually contain materials other than soil, e.g., wood and sheet rock or whatever the termites are feeding on. These secondary infestations occur when there is a serious moisture problem or leak somewhere within the structure.
Termite Damage
Termite damage can be extensive and costly to repair. It is essential to ask the right questions when dealing with termite infestations, such as:
How extensive is the problem?
What should be done to eliminate the termite activity?
How much will this work cost?
What kind of guarantee does the company offer?
Is there damage that should be repaired or at least examined by a contractor or engineer before control measures are performed?
Non-Chemical Control of Termites
Alternatives to chemical control of termites (i.e., to control an active infestation) are very limited. Long-term, non-chemical approaches to termite control focus on prevention. Removing termite tubes provides a way to determine if a termite infestation remains active after treatment or if the termites reappear in the same area later.
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