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3 Primary Termite Treatments

If you already have termites then lets talk about what treatments are available to take care of the problem. 

There are 3 primary types of treatments for subterranean termites:

1. Repellent Liquid Termiticides
2. Bait Systems
3. Non-repellent Liquid Termiticides

Repellent Termiticides are fast acting nerve poisons that are highly toxic to termites but have low toxicity to mammals. They are so repellent that termites foraging under the soil will avoid coming into contact with the termiticide and forage elsewhere. Most homes in the Phoenix Metro area have been treated with a repellent termiticide since it is the most common termite pre-treatment used when building a new home.

The disadvantage to repellents is that termites are able to detect the termiticides in the soil and avoid lethal contact with them. This is important because creating a perfect repellent barrier under a fully constructed house is very difficult. Construction features, plumbing lines, and landscaping are just a few of the obstacles.  Because of these difficulties, there are often gaps in the treatment where the termiticide was not applied completely. Eventually, foraging termites locate these gaps and gain access into the structure. That is bad news for you. If these termites find the structural wood, they will tunnel back through the untreated gap and recruit other termites into your home.

Termite Baiting is a very different approach to subterranean termite control. Instead of attempting to protect a structure by creating a barrier between it and the termites, baiting targets the termites themselves. Termite baits are designed to suppress or eliminate the termite colony living in the soil. Stations are placed around the home and monitored for termite activity. When activity is found then bait is inserted with the hope that the termites will feed on the bait and infect the colony.

The disadvantage to baiting is there are no means of coaxing termites into stations that are being monitored, so it may take months before baiting can begin.  Plus, the high surface temperture in our Phoenix desert valley can discourage termites from foraging where bait stations are installed.  Another disadvantage is that bait station installations can be very expensive and must be professionally monitored on a regular basis - increasing the cost of the baiting system.  Add to that the fact that baiting systems do not directly protect your home and you see why termite baiting is not our preferred method of treating termites.

Non-repellent Termiticides have changed the termite industry for the better. Chemicals like Termidor are not repellant and termites cannot detect them in the soil. The termites tunnel into the termiticide while foraging, contact the chemical, and eventually die.  But first they go back to the colony and infect other termites through a transfer process (trophallaxis), creating a colony elimination effect. Termidor is long-lasting and is the #1 termite defense system in the country.  It is our product of choice and the best solution available.

The only disadvantage to Termidor is that it is more expensive that any of the other liquid termiticides.  However, at First Inspection we are committed to giving you the best possible price and value.  We know you want the best for your home, and we do too.  Call us now at 480.778.1480 for a free quote.