
How often should house be treated for termites?
You should treat your house for termites every 5 years. Physical termite barricades last 20 years, fumigation lasts 4 years, and bait stations should be replaced annually. Homes in dryer climates may require less frequent treatments, while ones in humid climates may require more frequent treatments.
How do I get rid of termites in my house?
To get rid of termites, place termite bait stations around the perimeter of your home. Termites will transport the poisoned bait back to their nest, where it will wipe out the colony. You can also dig a trench around the perimeter of your home, spray liquid termite poison into it, and fill the trench back in.
What is the best home remedy for termites?
- Put the furniture out in the sun from time to timePolish the furniture regularly
- Polish the furniture regularly
- Keep the soil around the house dry
- Ensure that the wood is not too close to damp soil
- Keep the windows open for lots of air and sunlight etc.
What is the best chemical to kill termites?
What chemical is used to kill termites? Fipronil is the active ingredient in many liquid termite control products---the most common is Termidor. Fipronil is specially designed by biochemists to disrupt the central nervous system of termites that come in contact with the chemical; fipronil in high concentrations kills termites on contact.

How long do you stay out of house after termite tenting?
You'll have to make arrangements to be away from your property for a minimum of 24 hours but some fumigation appointments may take as long as 72 hours to completely dissipate the chemicals inside.
Is it safe to stay in house after termite treatment?
Follow California state regulations and do not re-enter your home until it has been tested and certified for re-entry by a licensed fumigator. Meet with the gas company to restore service.
How long should you stay out of house after pest control?
around 2-4 hoursPest control services suggest a certain time to stay away from the home once the work is completed. Once the service is completed, they may usually recommend staying out of your house for a time of around 2-4 hours. However, this may vary based on the type of service, and also extend up to a maximum of 24 hours.
Is termite treatment toxic to humans?
When administered properly by a trained pest control expert, termite treatments are completely safe for you and your family. Many methods used to eliminate termites involve chemicals that could be dangerous when not handled properly.
How toxic is termite fumigation?
Chemicals used in fumigation are lethal! Exposure to fumigants in a structure being fumigated, even for a few minutes, will result in death or serious injury. Absolutely NO ONE can enter a structure until it has been certified safe for re-entry by the licensee in charge of the fumigation.
What happens if you breathe in fumigation?
Symptoms of severe inhalation exposure may occur within a few hours to several days after exposure. Severe poisoning may result in fluid in the lungs. This can lead to dizziness, blue or purple skin color, unconsciousness, and even death.
Is termite spray smell harmful to humans?
However, they are not lethal to humans, at least not based on the quantity used during pest control treatment. However, if you are sensitive to or have allergies pertaining to fumes and chemicals, it will be a good idea to stay outdoors during the pest control process.
Is it safe to be in house after pest control?
The recommended time to wait before you can come inside is after two to four hours. You should be cautious because if you suddenly enter your home after the exterminator has finished applying the treatment, aside from affecting your respiratory system, your skin can as well absorb the chemicals which can be harmful.
Can I sleep in my room after spraying hit?
Once the room is ventilated and the dead insects/residual raid is cleaned away, your room should be safe to sleep in.
Does termite treatment stink?
Bad Smell After Termite Treatment So be aware, that many pesticides can leave a residual odor that you may be able to detect for some time afterward. There are remedies for this which can alleviate any after treatment odors.
How do I protect my mattress from fumigation?
Mattresses sealed in plastic, such as baby mattresses, need to be removed or the waterproof covers must be removed or opened. These plastic covers can slow the rate at which the fumigant aerates. You also should open or removing plastic covers to chairs and sofas and other incased items.
Does termite fumigation leave residue?
Sulfuryl fluoride is the gas used to fumigate for drywood termites, wood infesting beetles, and bed bugs. It is a gas, not a spray. As a gas, it does not leave behind surface pesticidal residue¹.
How long does termite treatment last?
On average, termite treatment lasts about 5 years. Liquid termite treatment can last five years or more, whereas termite bait stations only last one year and need to be maintained annually.
What are the most common termites?
Subterranean termites and drywood termites are the most common. Subterranean termites live in the soil around houses and build tunnel networks to access their food—the wood that your house is made of. Drywood termites, on the other hand, tunnel within your wood and eat right through it.
Do termite treatments last longer?
Your termite specialist will need to access all the wood components of your home. If these elements are inaccessible or harder to reach, the treatment won’t last as long.
Do termites need bait stations?
Termite Bait Stations. In order to be effective, termite bait stations need to be monitored and maintained year-round. A specialist will place the baits strategically around your property. Termites will take the bait while foraging, and bring the poisonous bait back to their colony, infecting the other termites.
How long should you stay out of your house after termite fumigation?
While some fumigants are odorless, others aren’t. So, if by chance you perceive anything unusual, you’d need to stay out of your home for a couple of days.
What is the best way to get rid of termites?
Remember, nylofume bags are best to pack food items into. These are the basic steps to follow when fumigating for termites. Fumigation is one of the best ways to get rid of termites.
What is the best way to prepare for termite tenting?
One of the vital steps when preparing for termite tenting is the placement of a warning agent. For the sake of clarity, a warning agent like Chloropicrin is generally used. A small amount of this compound is used before the application of the fumigant (Vikane). Chloropicrin is a colorless liquid that has a strong odor.
What safety gear is needed for termite fumigation?
The basic safety gear for termite fumigation includes safety goggles for the protection of your eyes. Safety helm ets are also are a requirement. Respiratory masks are indispensable when conducting termite fumigation yourself. This gear helps filter out harmful vapors and fumigant particles.
How long do you have to stay out of home for Vikane gas?
In the case of Vikane gas, you may need to stay out of your home for a period ranging from 1 – 2 days. This period may be longer when using other fumigant agents. Methyl bromide, for instance, will require upwards of 4 days. Whatever it takes, we recommend you stay out for a sufficient period.
How to get rid of fumigators in your house?
Open all doors, grant unlimited access to fumigators by giving them keys to every door in the house. Switch off electricity and gas supply, as well as your air conditioning system. Remove pillows, sheets and mattress covers from your bedding. Empty your garage, remove cars, trucks, lawnmowers, etc.
How to get rid of a sandbox in an apartment?
Take away your documents, computer, and other sensitive electronics. Remove all medications, pills, tablet, and cosmetics . Place plants outside the fumigation area. Remove pets, their food, and medications. Dispose of all dirt and waste, as well as bins placed beside your apartment.
How Often Should You Treat Your House for Termites?
The frequency that you should treat your house for termites will depend on the treatment type itself.
What Attracts Termites?
The best way to prevent any damage to your home is by knowing how termite infestations are caused.
Termite Treatment Types
There are two types of termite treatments- preventative and corrective. The more preventative work you do, the less possible damage you’ll have to correct later.
Factors That Contribute to How Long Termite Treatments Last
There are a few elements that determine how long your termite treatments will last.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
Corrective or preventive treatment can be a significant investment, but it will be worth it in the long run. The expense of the treatment depends on all the factors mentioned above.
Related Questions
There are a variety of noises termites can make, but most go undetected by humans.
The Bottom Line
Termites are persistent pests that can cause major damage to your house over time.
Highlights
Termites cost American homeowners billions of dollars in home repairs annually.
Duration of Termite Treatment
It’s never a pleasant experience to find termites in your home. And once you’ve called in the exterminator, you’re probably hoping you won’t need to think about it ever again. However, expect the best termite treatments, including whole-house applications and gas fumigations, to last up to 10 years.
Spot Treatment
Spot treatments for termites often need to be repeated more frequently, at least once a year but potentially more often. Spot treatments involve drilling small holes in the wood affected by these bothersome critters, and then filling those holes with a termicide that’s sprayed or injected into problem areas.
Whole-House Treatment
On the other hand, a whole-house treatment can help to establish a protective perimeter around your home. Though you shouldn't abandon annual inspections, your home is likely to be protected for five to 10 years if you've had a quality whole-house and perimeter treatment.
Termite Prevention
Termite prevention is an ongoing process. Even though you won't likely need annual termite treatment, it's still important to have a yearly termite inspection performed by a pest control expert near you. That's because it can be challenging to detect termite damage until it's pretty far along.
How do I get rid of termites?
A combination of preventative methods and regular inspections by a professional is the most effective way to ward off termites. A pest control company such as The Hitmen will also know exactly how much and what type of treatment will work best for your unique situation. It’s important to leave the hard work to the experts when it comes ...
How often should I inspect my house for termites?
To avoid infestations, homeowners should have their home inspected annually for termites. Termite treatments last anywhere from 5 to 13 years depending on the type of treatment used and any signs of current activity. Your professional pest control company will help determine a custom termite treatment plan that outlines how often your property ...
How to prevent water damage to your house?
Eliminate sources of standing water in or near the home. Be wary of areas of your foundation where wood is in contact with soil. Keep piles of lumber or firewood away from your property or stored above ground. Regularly inspect your deck, patio, or outdoor furniture for signs of damage.
Do you need to reapply termite treatments if your home was fumigated?
Even though you’re no more or less likely to get another infestation than homes without a history of termites, treatments should always be reapplied in a timely manner. However, if your home was fumigated, it’s necessary to receive treatments more often because fumigation does not prevent future termites.
How Do I Prepare My Home for a Termite Treatment?
Termites are destructive pests that can do a significant amount of damage to your home very quickly. An average colony will consume about one foot of 2 x 4 beam every six months and can affect the structural integrity of a home in as little as two to three years. In short, it’s essential to keep your home protected from termites.
Chemical Termite Treatments
There are several chemical options to get rid of termites, including termiticides and gas fumigants. Your pest control professional can complete a termite inspection and help you decide on the best way to treat your home based on the type of termites you have and the extent of the infestation.
Termiticide
Termiticide is an insecticide with active ingredients that attack the termites’ nervous system to kill them. Your exterminator will spray your lawn and the areas around your house, saturating the ground and reaching into the termite tunnels. Termiticide takes little to no preparation and isn’t dangerous to pets or wildlife.
Fumigant
Termite fumigation is a highly effective way to rid your home of termites. During this treatment, your exterminator will surround your home with a tent and release gas. The fumigant will kill any termites present, even those hiding in hard-to-reach places. However, unlike termiticide, you will need to prepare for the treatment.
Preparing Your Home for Fumigant Treatment
Termite treatment fumes can penetrate through cracks and crevices and are unsafe for humans or pets to breathe in. Your food and medicine are also at risk during the fumigation process and must be appropriately protected.
Make Arrangements Away From Your Home
The first step to prepare your home for fumigant termite control is making sure that your home is empty. You, your family, and your pets can’t stay in your home during the termite tenting process, so you’ll need to arrange accommodations elsewhere.
Remove or Protect Food and Other Items
Before treatment begins, you will need to either remove food, medicine, and hygiene products from your home, even if they are unopened or protect them adequately. It’s imperative to check all areas of your home for any food or medication.
How long does it take for a termite to leave a house?
This depends on the size of the home as well as the outdoor conditions. Typically, it takes at least 6 hours for the fumigant to leave the house after a termite treatment.
What is the best way to get rid of termites?
Termite Fumigation. If you have a bad case of termite infestation, your only option may be for tented fumigation. This is the most thorough way to get rid of termites and stop them from doing any more damage to the structural integrity of your home. A ‘tent’ is made up of multiple tarps that are fastened together around your home.
What is a parasitic nematode?
Parasitic nematodes are roundworms that feed on termites and leave your wood intact. They can be purchased online or in specialty stores and then released into an area where you suspect that termites have settled in. Nematodes will reproduce and seek out termites until the colony is destroyed.
What gas kills termites?
The gas that is pumped into your home to kill a termite colony is Sulfuryl Fluoride. This gas is not only toxic to termites, but also to humans, pets, fish, and even plants. It will quickly dissipate after the tents gets taken down, where it will rise up into the atmosphere and away from your home.
Why remove cellulose from a house?
Removing this from around your home will stop the attraction of termites in the first place, which will mitigate the problem before it starts.
What happens after a home inspection?
After the inspection, they will lock up your home, as well as use a secondary locking system on all doors. This is a safety precaution in order to prevent anyone from trying to re-enter the home, as it will soon be filled with toxic gas.
Can you fumigate a termite?
If you have a termite infestation in your home you may be considering fumigation. This is one of the best methods of killing off termite colonies and giving you peace of mind. While it may seem like an involved process, with the proper planning everything will go smoothly and you will be back at home in no time.
