This may take up to 60 seconds
Termite Treatments
Effective termite treatments can rid your home of the tiny pests that can cause severe damage to the structural elements of your house. Although do-it-yourself termite treatments are available, many experts agree that long lasting treatment requires the help of a skilled professional. Trained experts can identify the areas of your home where termites have entered, as well as the structures that have already been damaged.
Once the infested areas have been identified, specialized equipment and large quantities of professional-strength termiticides -- insecticides that have been formulated to eradicate termites -- must be brought into play. Liquid termite treatments may be applied along the foundations of a house or within the walls using drills or rods. Pest control companies that specialize in termite treatments have the necessary products and equipment to eliminate the colonies that may eventually destroy entire sections of a house.
Liquid Treatments
The type of treatment used to eradicate these nearly invisible pests depends partly on the species of insect. Subterranean termite colonies flourish in the earth around a home's foundation, thriving in the moisture generated by dripping faucets, rain gutters or standing water. Drywood termite species form their colonies inside the wood, invading walls, rafters, furniture, books and other sources of wood or paper.
Pest control professionals have used liquid termiticides for many years to eradicate subterranean termite colonies in the soil surrounding a residence. These liquid termite treatments can be injected into the ground or along the home's foundations using specialized equipment. Once the termiticide has been injected, it performs the dual function of killing the colonies that are established in the soil and preventing the insects that have tunneled into the home from returning to their colony. Insects that can't return to the soil will eventually die.
Liquid treatments may be injected directly into an active termite colony. Treatments may also be applied inside the home itself and within the foundations of a house. When injected into the soil or foundations, treatments form a chemical barrier that protects the dwelling from reinfestation after the colonies have been eliminated.
Termite Baiting Systems
Placing termite bait outside and inside the house is another effective approach to destroying colonies and preventing reinfestation. Termite baits are placed in strategic locations throughout the residence or below the ground outside the home. Once baits have been installed, the insects ingest the lethal substances inside the traps and take the bait back to their nests, where other insects consume the substance. Over time, the insects die as a result of ingesting these compounds.
Baiting treatments may be combined with liquid treatments in different areas of the property to achieve long lasting results. Pest control professionals base their approach on the extent of the infestation, the predominant species and the areas of the property that have been infested. In choosing a pest control company, look for a provider that offers an extended warranty on its services. Some companies may agree to compensate homeowners for damages that occur to the house after treatment, although these damages may be difficult to determine.
Non Toxic Methods
Liquid termite treatments have proven to be highly effective; however, any substance that is lethal to living organisms may be harmful to residents of the home and pets. Although all potentially toxic termite treatments are tested by the Environmental Protection Agency and the manufacturer, many homeowners have justifiable concerns about the long term effects of chemical termite treatments. Non chemical approaches to insect control may be used if you are concerned about the effects of termiticides on your family's health.
Non chemical methods for eradicating colonies include sand barriers that can be placed in the soil surrounding the house or around its foundations. Barriers may be placed in crawl spaces, under porches or terraces and under cables, water or gas lines. Because these insects cannot create tunnels in sand, the barriers prevent them from reaching the home. Metal barriers may also be used to deter colonization and reduce moisture in certain areas of the soil.
Preventing reinfestation is a key concern after any treatment method has been applied. After treating the property, inspectors should return to evaluate the house for signs of infestation and to identify areas of damage to the dwelling. When you compare quotes from pest control providers, ask them whether they perform this service as part of the fee for treatment.
In addition to the cost of termite treatments, consider the professional reputation of a company, the methods that it uses and its experience eradicating the species that's invaded your home. Inquire about whether the company offers a warranty for its services. Liquid termiticides should be effective for at least 5 years. Although it's difficult or impossible to guarantee the permanent eradication of these pests, a reliable provider should offer an extensive warranty for its services.
