Measures of Termite Control

There are many different measures that termite control technicians utilize in their treatment efforts. Some of these measures are more common than others, and the ones used are usually quite simply dictated by the specific situation. Many different methods exist from chemicals to physical termite barriers and companies improve their techniques all the time. A quick look at some of the non toxic pest control options can help you decide which one might be best in your situation.

Soil Applied Liquid Termiticides

These conventional treatments are very common; in fact the creation of a so called "chemical barrier" is standard fare in residential termite control work. The objective is to form an impervious chemical barrier that termites cannot pass through and live. Both sides of the foundation are treated as well as the piers supporting the floors in homes with crawl spaces. In this technique, only the soil found adjacent to the foundation is actually treated, not all of the soil in the crawl. In pretreatment on slab construction, the entire soil surface is treated, a vapor barrier installed and then the slab is poured over the top. These are usually large scale treatments so they are not something homeowners can do on their own. The non toxic chemicals help eliminate termites that might come up from underneath the home and try to enter through small cracks or other openings later on.

Soil treatment in new construction settings is not a one day service. The best companies coordinate these activities with the different stages of building from the building of the foundation all the way through to the final grade. Waiting for final grade for that last application is important to make sure the soil does not get disturbed after the chemical treatment is applied. It is even advisable to wait until all landscaping near the home has been installed. The cost of this treatment varies by the company and the size of the job.

Termite Bating

Termite baits are another option in both prevention and pest control activities. Sometimes they are used as a standalone treatment, although the more common combination is for baits to be utilized along with liquid termiticide application. The effectiveness of bait is incredible if the colony discovers the bait. But the whole success or failure of baits hinges upon that discovery. They must be strategically located to draw in workers. Once they do the workers get the food inside and bring it back to the colony, poisoning any insect that partakes. The goal is generally for the bait to work as a long term treatment as the liquid termiticides serve as fast acting insect killers. They work effectively together in a two pronged approach if the chemical barrier is applied successfully and if the bait is taken by the workers in the colony.

Wood Treatment

Another preventative measure of termite control commonly done in termite prone areas during the construction process is wood treatment. Critical structural boards are treated to avoid infestation to protect the integrity of the home if termites do somehow get in. This particular treatment is completed after framing and before the wall is finished. It is applied to the bare wood before drywall is installed on the interior or siding on the exterior. It is important to note that this treatment has been shown to prevent termites from eating treated wood, but not from building mud tunnels to get to sources of food further inside the home. So it cannot be considered a standalone treatment.

Stainless Steel Mesh

Stainless steel mesh wrapped around foundations, pipes and posts prevents termites from getting in and doing damage.