Termite Control Tools

Termite control tools help professional technicians in their battle against an enemy that is tiny but sometimes staggering in its numbers. Professionals in the field have access to a wide array of termite control tools specifically designed for that precise job. They are highly tuned instruments, many of them very expensive and sporting some of the latest technology. In fact, much of the equipment used by professional exterminators cannot even be used without a license. Of course, it goes without saying that the tools of the trade are not the only things termite control professionals rely on to help them get the job done. Trained technicians and inspectors also have knowledge and experience that quite often comes in handy, so there will always be a strong need for the human element in termite control as well.

Locating Drywood Termites in Walls

Drywood termites reside in the wooden framework of the home. They may be found in the leg of a table, a wall, or even in the ceiling or floor. Some exterminators rely on the so called "human element" or their own methods of deduction to find out exactly where they are. Old school technicians can tap walls with the butt end of a screwdriver and often locate a colony that way. But over time these old time honored methods are giving way to a new scientific inquiry based on the use of technological marvels such as microwave termite control that have been developed to make the technician's job much easier.

Infrared termite control devices can be utilized to demonstrate with startling accuracy exactly where a drywood colony might be located in a wall or other structure. And once the location of that colony is discovered, there are also new and improved ways of eliminating the pests. One of the best methods is through the use of microwaving, which sends out high heat briefly into the wooden structure, instantly killing any termites present but leaving the wood unharmed. This service is great because it is completely non toxic and does not require any chemicals (or any guesswork, for that matter).

Bug Bombs and Termite Tenting

Bug bombs are available in hardware and home improvement stores. They may work to kill ground termites at or near the surface, but they are typically not successful at abating a colony over the long haul. By contrast, professional technicians utilize highly efficient spray insecticides and may also augment that treatment type with tenting, although this method has fallen out of favor due to environmental concerns and is not being used nearly as often these days. Spot treatments are much more common, although sometimes when infestation is widespread companies have little choice but to consider tenting.

Subterranean Termites and Bait Stations

Gaining prevalence are bait traps, which sound simple but require a bit of careful observation and strategy. Their success depends heavily upon appropriate placement near enough to the colony for them to be found and used with regularity. Bait stations are available to homeowners over the counter, and they can also be made at home for those who know how. Professionals rely heavily on baits as well. There are different specifics on the types of bait used, but regardless of any differences they are all designed to perform the same function. Baits provide poisoned food for workers to grab and bring back with them to the colony. The effects of the bait are to kill or sterilize insects that eat it, effectively neutralizing the colony. Like all termite control tools, they should be used according to label directions and safety should always be the primary concern.