There are several different termite treatment methods. All involve applying a chemical mixture around your home.

Your pest control professional will determine what preventative measures and/or treatments will be best based on your home’s construction and any areas of wood-to-ground contact. They will also look for outside risk factors such as tree stumps and fence posts. Contact Termite Treatment San Antonio now!

A variety of soil treatments exist to prevent and control termites, including wood-destroying organisms (WDOs). These chemical compounds are applied directly to the ground around a building or in soil to protect against subterranean termites. They are typically formulated to be long-lasting and effective, with some products providing residual protection for up to 12 years or more.

Among the most common soil treatment methods is applying liquid termiticide around the perimeter of a building. This is often the most economical of all termite treatment options and provides immediate control over active termites. Liquid termiticides contain pesticides such as fipronil, imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, and permethrin, and they are available in sprays, foams, or dusts. All of these products must be diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and should be applied in accordance with local pesticide regulations.

Another option for controlling an existing termite infestation is a physical barrier method. This involves creating a trench around the foundation of a building and filling it with crushed rock or other material to create a barrier that is not conducive to tunneling by termites. The trench should also be covered with a protective coating to help limit termite access to the structure.

Other barrier methods include the use of a cellulose-based wood treatment, such as borate, to make a building unattractive and toxic to termites. This type of treatment is sometimes used on new construction to prevent a future termite problem, but it is not as effective as other prevention methods, such as regular inspections and keeping discarded firewood and other cellulose materials away from a building’s foundation.

A final option is fumigation, which is usually reserved for severe termite infestations with high levels of damage to a structure. Fumigation is the only termite treatment that completely eradicates all of the drywood and cellulose components of a termite colony. Traditionally, methyl bromide was the preferred gas fumigant, but with the phase-out of this product and other concerns, sulfuryl fluoride has become the standard gas fumigant. The process of fumigant application requires careful preparation, which includes removing plants and other food items from the structure and covering them with protective tarps.

Baiting System

Termite bait systems intercept foraging termites and provide a more targeted treatment option. They are installed in the soil at specified intervals to allow termite scouts to find and consume the termite bait. The bait system uses a non-toxic, slow-acting chemical that is undetectable to foraging termites. As the termites feed on the bait, they transfer it to their nest mates. Over time, the bait will eliminate the entire termite colony.

Pest control operators are increasingly considering bait stations as an alternative to traditional liquid treatments for subterranean termite infestations. They have several advantages over traditional treatments:

In addition to being safe for humans and pets, termite baiting systems also offer a lower environmental impact than liquids. Because of this, many homeowners prefer a baiting system over a liquid treatment. This is particularly true if the house has features that make it difficult to treat with a liquid, such as wells, ponds or sub-slab heating ducts.

Another advantage of the termite baiting system is that it does not leave a residue on the ground surface. This makes it ideal for new homes, or for homeowners who are concerned about the presence of chemicals in their yard. Baiting systems are also a good choice for homes with kids and/or pets, or in situations where a homeowner wishes to avoid any contact with chemicals.

While the baiting system is a stand-alone treatment, it is most effective when combined with regular monitoring and inspections to ensure that the termite colony has been eliminated. The slow-acting ingredient in the bait system is lethal to foraging termites, but it will not kill them immediately. This delayed mortality allows the termites to distribute the bait throughout the colony, ultimately eliminating it.

CSI, the active ingredient in the Sentricon with Always Active bait system, is not a toxic compound. Instead, it works by interrupting the normal molting process in the termites. When the termites can no longer molt, they starve themselves of nutrients and eventually die.

The inability to molt can be expedited by consuming large quantities of the bait (the more, the better). The termites will ingest the bait and take it back to their nests where it kills them. As the workers die, the rest of the termite colony will be starved and eventually destroyed.

Fumigation

A professional can use fumigation to treat an entire termite infestation. It’s an effective solution because it targets all areas of the property, unlike sprays or applications that can miss hard-to-reach spaces and cracks. It also works faster than other treatment methods. The process can be completed within a few hours, meaning you’ll be able to get back to your home quickly.

If your home is infested with subterranean termites, a professional can treat the soil around your foundation with termiticide. This chemical repels or kills the colony and prevents it from re-infesting your house. Another option is to use termite bait systems, which are monitoring stations that contain slow-acting insecticides. Termites that feed on the bait will carry it back to their colonies, killing the entire population.

Liquid termiticides can also be used on exposed wood surfaces, protecting them from termites and slowly poisoning those that ingest it. These solutions can be sprayed directly onto infested wood, or they can be applied as a barrier in the soil surrounding your home.

Other termite treatments include removing sources of moisture. This can be done by reducing wood piles, addressing leaky pipes and repairing gutters. Regular inspections can also help prevent future infestations.

Dampwood termites are drawn to wet, rotting wood, and they can be more difficult to control than drywood varieties. Homeowners can reduce the risk of dampwood termites by reducing moisture in their homes, such as by adding a dehumidifier or using a fan to remove excess humidity.

A variety of termite treatments are available, and the right solution will depend on the type of termites, the severity of the infestation, and other factors. However, no termite treatment is 100% effective, and there is always the possibility of re-infestation. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect your home and implement prevention methods, such as a well-designed drainage system and wood-framing that is properly ventilated. If you’ve discovered a termite problem, schedule a free termite inspection with a trusted pest control company as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Other Options

Termite treatment options other than tenting include soil treatments, termite bait stations, and direct wood injection. These are effective when the problem is limited and isolated, but they may not eradicate the entire infestation. For example, wood injection involves drilling into infested areas of your home and injecting boric acid into them. You need to be careful using this method since boric acid is toxic and can burn or injure you if it comes into contact with your skin. It is also a time-consuming procedure and may require multiple injections to kill the pests.

For severe or widespread termite problems, a fumigation is often the best option. This requires that you vacate your home and may not work in cases of subterranean or drywood termites. The specialized gas used in this treatment effectively penetrates hard-to-reach areas of the structure, and it is highly effective against whole colonies of the pests.

Physical barriers, including stainless steel mesh and sand barriers, can block the entrance of termites into your home. These barriers are typically incorporated during construction, but they can also be retrofitted into existing homes. These barriers are effective, but they cannot stop termites that enter through cracks and crevices in your foundation or walls.

Sodium borate, or borax, is another popular option for termite control. This naturally occurring salt has the ability to disrupt the digestive system of termites, which prevents them from consuming wood and killing them. This is a common option for homeowners who want to avoid using chemicals.

Other types of alternative termite control include orange oil and nematodes, which have been shown to be effective at controlling and even eliminating pests without the use of chemical pesticides. These alternatives are not always effective against termites, but they can be useful in combination with other methods.

Ultimately, the most effective way to protect your home from termites is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Moisture control, lawn maintenance, and regular inspections can help keep your house free of termites, so you don’t need to resort to treatment when a problem occurs.