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Termite Spray
Commercial termite spray may be purchased and applied by homeowners to eradicate termites. These wood destroying insects can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home, devouring wooden beams, moldings or furniture from the inside out. If you see signs of termite infestation in or around your home, contact a professional pest control company for an inspection before you invest in termite spray. A licensed inspector can verify that the infestation has occurred, judge the extent of the damage and confirm which treatment would be the most effective.
Signs of termite infestation are so small and subtle that many homeowners don't detect them until the insects have already caused a significant amount of damage. If you see mud tubes running up the sides of the house, these tunnels or termite droppings are a sign that a termite colony has been established, and insects are making their way into your home. Tiny droppings or wood pellets that resemble sawdust are also clear signs of an infestation. Swarming pests or discarded wings in the springtime indicate that a colony has been established on or near your property.
Do It Yourself Termite Control
There are many do it yourself pest control methods on the market, including termite spray. Although you may save money in the short term by applying termite spray yourself, a spray product that's available to the general public may not be the most effective method for eradicating these pests over the long term. Spray may be applied as a liquid, a foam or a fumigant to the areas of your house or yard where you've seen evidence of individual insects or an entire colony. However, most professionals recommend a more extensive approach.
Commercial termite spray may be toxic to humans and pets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully about protecting yourself from contact with the product while you're applying the spray. Protective gear such as gloves or goggles may be recommended to avoid contact with eyes or skin. Keep children and pets away from the area while you are applying the product. If necessary, leave the house unoccupied for a period of time after spraying, based on the manufacturer's instructions.
Spray products may be most effective when used on isolated areas outside your home, such as a wooden gate or trellis. These invaders prefer damp soil and will generally establish a colony outdoors in a moist area of your yard or garden before entering the home. If you notice that a fence post or other wooden outdoor structure shows signs of damage, such as tiny kick out holes, a commercial termite spray may help you eradicate the problem. However, a spray may not be sufficient to eliminate the entire colony or prevent the insects from entering your home.
Professional Termite Treatments
As soon as you notice any of the signs of an infestation, contact a professional pest control company to schedule an inspection. Licensed inspectors are trained to spot the evidence of an invasion and to note the signs of destruction in your house. Qualified professionals are familiar with the construction of residential buildings and know the areas where these creatures are most likely to hide. Most species are very secretive. By the time the average homeowner spots these insects, severe damage to the home may have occurred.
Pest control companies use a combination of methods to eradicate insects. Most contractors use a professional grade liquid termite spray, which is applied around the house, along the foundation and inside structural components of the house using specialized rods and pressure sprayers. To eliminate a full scale infestation, a high volume of liquid spray must be applied. Professionals know where to apply the termiticide to achieve the most effective, long lasting results.
A certain amount of termite spray is injected into the soil surrounding your residence. The chemical acts as a barrier, preventing the pests inside the home from returning to their original colony. Insects that can't return to the colony will eventually die. Non toxic sand or metal barriers are used by some companies to replicate the effects of termiticide without the potential hazards of using a toxic substance. In conjunction with the liquid treatment, many companies use a bait designed to kill off colony members gradually.
Destroying a termite colony and eliminating the insects outside as well as inside the home requires more than a commercially available termite spray. Before you try to resolve an infestation yourself, contact a professional service for an estimate on the cost of an inspection and treatment. Look for a licensed company whose service technicians are highly trained and experienced. To ensure that you receive the best service at a competitive price, compare quotes from several companies in your area. Permanent eradication requires professional tools and products.
