A basic run-down of Termite control methods

Termites are a very successful group of insects. They were able to survive for eons and are now a big risk to our homes and structures. Termites pose a great and real threat especially to homeowners due to their voracious wood-eating habits and their ability to stay hidden and undetected. Scientists have been constantly seeking for faster, better and more effective method in controlling and preventing termite infestations.

Here are some of the termite control/prevention methods employed from the earliest to the latest technological breakthroughs:

• Chlordane Era

Chlordane, a non-repellent liquid treatment was the industry’s standard termite control until the late 80’s. During this time, a structure is completely applied with liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds to get rid of termites. But due to environmental and health hazards, chlordane was removed from the market in 1987.

• Liquid Barrier Treatments

Liquid barrier treatments gained popularity after the removal of chlordane. Just like chlordane, these formulations are applied completely around a structure. Some liquid barrier treatments functioned as termite repellent, preventing termites from going through to the building. Later on, liquid barrier treatments proved to be a failure. This is because small breaks in the treated barrier still allow termites to get through and some of these products provided only short term solutions. Liquid barrier treatments were not able to protect the structures over time.

• Bait System

This system of termite control was introduced in 1994 and uses plastic “stations” placed into the soil of the surrounding structure. These stations have either termiticide treated materials (normally cardboard or wood) or a non-treated wooden monitor for termites to eat. The basic concept behind these bait system is “recruitment”. This assumes that worker termites will discover the bait and will lead others to the station. Eventually these termites will die from ingesting the termiticide in the bait material.

• Undetectable Liquid Treatments

While other control methods focused on simply repelling termites, the undetectable liquid treatments allows the termites access in the treated area. The termites that forage in the treated zone will spread the termiticide to more termites. This causes them to become infected and soon they will die even if they don’t come into contact with the treated zone. Some of these undetectable liquid treatments include Premise, Phantom and Termidor.

• Physical Barriers

Physical barriers are products installed before pouring a building’s or home’s concrete slabs. These are usually placed in the areas around electrical pipes, conduits and plumbing which could become an access for termites. Although physical barriers are effective, there’s a catch to them – setting up is time-consuming and they can be costly.

• Wood Treatments

In the attempt to eliminate the wood in your homes as a reason for termite infestation, they are treated with chemicals such as borates. All wood surfaces and especially wood touching the ground should be completely treated with these chemicals to prevent termite infestation.

Dean Gallagher
Termitexpel.Com