Termites may have a bad reputation, but they do an important job in the ecosystem.
Several treatment methods are available to eliminate or prevent them. A physical barrier such as steel mesh can be effective. Other treatments are based on baiting or soil-applied liquids. Many companies offer warranties to back their work. Check out this website at https://killianpestcontrol.com/ for more information.
Liquid Pesticides
Termite infestations are devastating for homeowners and businesses because of the extensive damage that they cause. A single colony of subterranean termites can destroy a house in as little as 6 months, making it crucial that you take action as soon as you notice any signs of these pests.
Several different methods are used to treat and control termite infestations, including liquid pesticides, baiting stations, physical barriers, and fumigation. Liquid pesticides are insecticides designed specifically for termite control, and they can be applied to the soil around a building to prevent any foraging termites from entering. This is a common and effective method of preconstruction termite treatment, and some of these products can provide residual control for up to 12 years.
In-ground baiting stations are another popular method of termite pest control, and they are particularly useful in providing long-term preventive control. These stations are set up in the ground at regular intervals around a structure, and they contain woody debris impregnated with a slow-acting insecticide. Foraging termites discover the bait stations and feed on them, carrying the poison back to their colonies. Over time, this poisoning can eventually eradicate entire termite colonies.
Foam termiticide treatments are also sometimes used to supplement other types of termite treatment, and they are injected into wall voids and other confined areas to provide termite control that is hard to achieve with other treatment methods. These foams have a consistency similar to shaving cream, and they are able to penetrate into crevices where other insecticides might not be able to reach.
For severe termite infestations, professional exterminators may recommend fumigant treatments such as gas fumigation or heat treatment. In fumigation, a home is sealed off inside a tent and pumped full of toxic gases that completely destroy the termite colony. Heat treatment works similarly, except that structural wood is heated to temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the termites.
Termites can be difficult to detect without professional help, and even then it may be months or even years before the extent of damage is known. However, there are many steps that you can take to protect your property from these destructive pests, including regularly getting termite inspections and removing dead trees and stumps from your yard. You can also have your firewood stored above ground and inspected before bringing it into your house, and you should always keep wooden beams and decking well maintained and sealed against the elements.
Baits
Termites are tenacious invaders that can destroy the foundation of your home. DIY methods aren’t always effective, but professional pest control offers the right equipment, products, and knowledge to halt these invasive creatures at the source.
A professional inspection is the first step. Then, depending on the results of that inspection and the type of termites identified, one of several treatment options is recommended. For drywood termites, liquid or foam applications make the most sense because they penetrate and kill the insects on contact. These preventative treatments can be applied to the soil around your structure, effectively creating a barrier that stops termites from ever entering in the first place.
For subterranean termites, bait systems offer a more effective solution. The Sentricon system directly targets these wood-eating insects. It uses a monitoring station to identify areas of high activity. After the active area is identified, a bait station is then placed in the area. The bait stations contain slow-acting chemicals that workers ingest and then carry back to their colonies. This ensures that multiple generations within a colony are exposed to the toxic material.
This method is particularly effective for treating drywood and subterranean termites that can’t be targeted using soil treatment methods. It’s also ideal for cases in which soil treatment has failed to completely eradicate a termite infestation.
Another preventative treatment option is wood treatment. This involves coating wood surfaces with a special formula that makes it impossible for termites to digest the material. As a result, the termites will die upon ingestion. This method can be used to treat existing wood in your home, as well as to treat any new wood that enters the property.
Termites have a number of natural instincts that help them to work together, defend their colony, and protect the queen. If these instincts aren’t taken into account when applying pest control, it’s likely that the treatment will fail. A professional will understand the biology of these insects and the intricacies of their behavior to develop a plan that’s most effective. In addition, they will know what to look for in order to spot an infestation early on, such as mud tubes or other signs of termites.
Fumigation
A popular termite treatment is fumigation, which uses restricted-use gases to treat large areas of a structure. This method is also known as “tenting” and can be very effective in treating severe infestations. Tenting can cost $1 to $3 per square foot or $10 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the size of a house and how extensive the infestation is.
This method is often used for drywood termite infestations, which are more difficult to eradicate than subterranean termites. When used properly, fumigation can destroy a whole colony and prevent future outbreaks. However, the process is lengthy and requires occupants to vacate their home for several days. In addition, it uses highly toxic chemicals that may be harmful to people and pets.
For this reason, it’s important to work with a pest control professional who has experience using fumigation and can accurately determine the severity of your termite infestation. They will also ensure that your home is safe for re-entry once the fumigation has been completed.
It’s possible to prevent a termite infestation in the first place by installing termite-resistant wood and sealing as many cracks as possible. It’s also essential to keep landscaping materials away from the foundation, support posts and steps, and to regularly inspect exposed wood. In addition, a well-maintained termite baiting system can be a highly effective preventative measure.
In addition to these prevention measures, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a termite infestation. Termite droppings, which are small granular pellets that look like dust and appear around door frames and baseboards, are one of the most common indicators. Other signs include swarmers, which are winged reproductive termites that resemble flying ants. These insects are commonly seen in spring, when they emerge from their nests to find mates.
If you’re unsure whether your property is affected by a termite problem, contact All County Pest Control for a free inspection. Our experts will use all the tools at their disposal to design an effective preventative plan for your New York home or business and can provide information about available treatment options.
Inspection
The most effective termite pest control is regular inspections by a professional. A pest control technician can determine the type of termites, how severe an infestation is and whether or not a home is at risk for future infestations.
This includes examining wood piles, soil around the foundation, basement or crawl spaces, a visible cellulose-based mud wall, and any other signs of termite activity. A pest control company may also recommend homeowner assistance, such as diverting rainwater away from the house, repairing leaks and addressing moisture issues, which can all contribute to a termite problem.
Termite control professionals may also employ monitoring stations, which are placed within the soil of areas with suspected termite activity. These stations contain slow-acting baits that worker termites carry back to their colonies, where they feed and distribute the bait throughout the colony. Eventually, the entire colony dies, which eliminates the threat without requiring any direct contact with liquid pesticides.
For homes with a large termite infestation, it is usually necessary to use conventional liquid pesticides. After a thorough inspection, the pest control technician will dig a trench around the foundation and drill holes into slab areas where termiticide is then applied directly to the soil. In addition, they may install a series of above-ground and in-ground termite bait stations around the property.
A pest control technician will then follow up with an annual inspection to ensure that the termite treatment remains effective. Many companies offer a range of packages for different levels of protection, including options that provide coverage for up to 13 years.
When hiring a provider for termite treatment, look at customer reviews and compare prices. Consider a company that offers online chat support, has a money-back guarantee and is licensed and insured in your area. Also, check the credentials of the pest control technicians. For example, Orkin requires that its employees complete 160 hours of training during their first year and trains them in drilling, liquid and foam application for termite prevention.
Although DIY treatments are an option, the savviest homeowners know that it’s best to call a pest control company before a termite infestation causes major damage to their home. Inexperienced DIY treatments may result in unreliable results, and can even lead to further damage if chemicals are not properly applied. In addition, the products sold at most hardware stores are not as effective as professional-grade solutions.