Treatment FAQ

why you should do your own termite treatment

by Vicente Spinka Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If possible you will directly treat the active infestation you found, and you will follow that up with a soil treatment or bait system to eliminate the portion of the colony that remains outside. While you can save a lot of money by doing your own termite treatment, undertaking your own termite treatment can be time consuming and labor intensive.

The same combination of termite treatments used for controlling an active infestation will go a long way to prevent future infestations. Applying a liquid termiticide to your foundation soil will create a barrier to protect your home that can last up to 5 years if undisturbed.

Full Answer

What is the most effective type of termite treatment?

What Is The Most Effective Termite Treatment?

  • Pretreatments. Pretreatments are termite treatments that are performed during the building phase of new construction.
  • Barrier Treatments. Barrier treatments form a literal barrier in the ground between termites and your home. ...
  • Liquid Treatments. ...
  • Bait Stations. ...
  • You May Also Be Interested In: Why Are Cockroaches So Resilient? ...

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 often does home need termite treatments?

What Should I Do Between Treatments?

  • 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.
  • Remove decaying trees and branches in your yard. ...

Is termite protection worth paying for?

The answer is almost always yes – effective, comprehensive based preventative termite protection is a few hundred dollars per year, maximum. Even a minor infestation can easily cost several thousand dollars to replace; potentially much more.

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Should I treat termites myself?

The answer is almost always a resounding “no”. Treating termites is not a DIY project, as colonies can be hidden anywhere in or near your home and often in areas you can't access.

Can I take care of termites myself?

Some of the best ways to get rid of termites is to apply termite-killing products to your home's exterior, use direct chemicals on the inside of your home, set up termite baits, and spray boric acid in your floors and walls.

What is the best do it yourself termite treatment?

Here are the 5 best termite killers available on the market right now:Taurus SC: Most Popular.Bifen XTS: Best Fast-acting.Spectracide Terminate: Best Bait.Termidor Foam: Best Direct Chemical Treatment.BioAdvanced Termite Killer: Best for DIY.

Is termite treatment a one time thing?

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.

Can you treat termites without tenting?

Like heat treatment, liquid nitrogen treatment allows you to treat termites without tenting your entire home. Since you can't buy large amounts of liquid nitrogen, professionals should handle this treatment.

Are termite bait stations necessary?

No chemical termite treatment, whether it's a liquid or a bait system, is going to be 100% effective every time. If there is termite activity in your crawlspace or basement and it's ignored for many years, you could end up with serious damage.

What attracts termites to a house?

In addition to wood inside the home, termites are drawn inside by moisture, wood in contact with house foundations, and cracks in building exteriors. Different combinations of these factors attract different species. Additionally, geographic location plays a role in how likely homeowners are to deal with infestations.

What kills termites permanently?

What chemical kills termites? There are two main chemicals used to kill termites—fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is the specially designed chemical used as an active ingredient in many different liquid termiticides. In high enough concentrations, it can kill termites on contact.

Why can't Termidor be used indoors?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists Fipronil as a “possible human carcinogen,” meaning it has the potential to cause cancer. “The main thing is that … they haven't done enough testing for indoor use.

How do you tell if a house has been treated for termites?

0:281:52How Do You Know if a House Has Been Treated for Termites - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGot every 13 inches or so see right there this is drill patch. See it's kind of dirty but there'sMoreGot every 13 inches or so see right there this is drill patch. See it's kind of dirty but there's one right there. And right there. And there see the little dark invitation it's been treated.

How long does it take for termites to destroy a house?

A single termite on its own would take thousands of years to do serious damage to your property, and termites only live for around two years. The problem is that termites do not live on their own; they live in colonies with hundreds, or even thousands, of other termites.

What happens if termites are not treated?

Since many species of termites build colonies in the ground, reach the foundation and floor joists of your home isn't a very long journey. Termites that are left untreated can cause such extensive damage to your foundation and the supports of your subfloor that your floors could literally fall apart.

Home Termite Treatment is Not Complicated!

The reason many people choose for a professional to visit their home is because they’re under the impression that ‘doing it yourself’ is a complex and time-consuming task. Well, it’s not! Termite stations can easily be set up using minimal equipment, professional-grade products and with how-to advice from industry experts.

1. Minimal Equipment is Needed

Conducting an at-home termite treatment can feel intimidating when you consider the amount of equipment that might be required. In actual fact, all that’s really needed is simple garden equipment such as a shovel and a wheelbarrow to remove dirt.

2. Professional-Grade Products

No termite treatment can be carried out effectively without the right products. Instead of heading to your local Bunnings and getting any product, it’s important to do your research and pick a professional grade product capable of complete colony elimination.

Contact TermiGold to Get Rid of Termites for Good!

Shop online today and easily solve all your termite worries! If you have any questions regarding termites, termite damage, or the removal of termites, feel free to get in touch with the TermiGold team.

Can you use pest control products correctly?

All treatment methods require that you follow instructions precisely, and that the product be applied correctly – otherwise it may not be effective. You don’t want to spend your time and money if it’s not going to eliminate the infestation. Problem Solved Pest Control professionals are trained on how to properly use products, and they have equipment that allows them to apply treatments correctly.

Do termites eat wood?

Termites love to eat wood, and the wood in your home is one of their favorite meals. They cause billions of dollars in damage to U.S. homes every year. Even though termites are small, they live in large colonies that can contain thousands – and sometimes millions – of hungry insects.

Can you get rid of termites on walls?

You may be able to get rid of the termites you see on the surface, but there could be many more hiding inside your walls, continuing to do damage. That’s why treating a termite infestation is a task you should trust to a professional termite control company.

Can you do termite control yourself?

There are many that you could easily do yourself, and with little instruction, but there are others you might want to consider leaving to the professionals – termite control is one of them. Termites are tiny, and hide deep inside walls and structures, where it can be difficult to find them, and make it challenging to apply ...

Can you hire a termite control professional?

Not to mention which type of treatment method to use…and hope that it will work. Or, you could hire a termite control professional. One that has been trained to identify which species of termites are in your home, and will know the best treatment to use.

Can you treat a termite infestation on your own?

This leads some homeowners try to tackle a termite problem on their own. If you decide to treat your home yourself, you will need to be sure to eliminate the infestation entirely. Otherwise the surviving termites will continue to destroy the wood in your home.

Can I Do Termite Treatment Myself?

Termite treatment is really not a DIY job. If you see termites, or signs of termites in your home, it may be tempting to try to get rid of them yourself. However, even if you stop the termites you see, there are possibly others behind the scene continuing to damage your home's structure.

Is DIY Termite Treatment Effective?

DIY termite treatment is not likely to be effective. There are different species of termites that can invade U.S. homes. A trained professional will know which species of termites are present in your area, as well as which signs to look for when inspecting your home for activity and where to look for them.

Will DIY Termite Treatment Save Me Money?

You may think DIY treatments can save you some cash. That's one of the reasons that people like them. But you don't want to play fast and loose with a termite infestation, as failed attempts are not a fast and easy fix.

Is DIY Termite Treatment Easy?

No matter which DIY termite treatment is being used, it has to be done correctly or it will likely result in ineffective control, or worse. There is a label that has to be followed, and it can be difficult to understand.

What Kills Termites Naturally?

There's really nothing that kills termites naturally. If you look online, you can find certain DIY natural termite treatment methods. These treatment methods include nematodes, boric acid, vinegar and more.

How Do I Get Rid of Termites in My House?

In a world that relies so heavily on technology, it's nice to see people getting their hands dirty with DIY projects. However, it's important to know the limits of your capabilities and expertise.

Why is it important to get a termite inspection?

A trained professional has the knowledge and experience necessary to detect the presence of termites, as well as assess the severity of an infestation if one exists. That’s why it’s important to receive a termite inspection from a professional, rather than attempting to conduct one yourself.

What to do if you think you have termites?

Above all, if you think you might be dealing with termites, be sure to contact a professional home pest control company. Unlike some other forms of home pest control, termite treatment is complex and difficult, and should be left to the professionals.

How does a termite inspection work?

How a Termite Inspection Works. When a home pest control professional conducts a termite inspection, they typically inspect the visible areas of your home for any evidence of termite damage. The technician will usually inspect both the interior and exterior of your home, including your crawlspace, basement, and attic.

What does a pest control company do?

The pest control company agrees to check for termites regularly, treat any that are discovered, and pay for any damage that the homeowner might incur.

What is termite protection plan?

A termite protection plan is more than just a standard pest control plan. In addition to regular termite inspections and control as necessary, a termite protection plan will also include what’s called a ‘termite bond.’. This usually takes the form of an agreement between the homeowner and the pest control company.

How much damage do termites do to your home?

There’s also the additional cost of home repairs to consider. Termites can cause many thousands of dollars in structural damage to your home, all of which will need to be accounted for.

Is there a termite protection plan in South Carolina?

Homeowners sometimes incur thousands of dollars in damage, despite their best attempts to control and treat for termites. With this in mind, it’s worth considering enrolling in a termite protection plan.

How long does it take for termites to go away?

It is important to be patient when using a non-repellent product as they can take up to 90 days to eliminate the existing termites.

How to mix termiticide solution?

We recommend using the 5 gallon bucket for this step. Fill the bucket with 4 gallons of water. Add the recommended amount of concentrated termiticide as per the product label. Stir the solution thoroughly with a paint stirrer or other tool until the concentrated liquid is evenly dispersed in the water.

How many gallons of termite per 10 feet?

It is difficult to get 4 gallons per 10 feet in the holes, so it is important that you use a long drill bit, at least 18" long so you can bore out enough dirt to hold the termiticide. Sometimes the ground is slow to soak up the termiticide you place in the holes.

How far up do you drill into drywall to treat termites?

When drilling into drywall, it is recommended that you drill holes about 18 inches up from the floor and in between each stud around the infested area.

Why treat the exterior of your home?

Treating the exterior of your home near the area of the infestation is necessary for two reasons. It will insure that the sub colony that was gathering food inside the structure will be eliminated as they exit the home (this is especially important if you were not able to directly treat the nest.

Can you use Termidor foam on a hole?

We recommend Taurus SC, or FUSE Foam. You can also use Termidor SC or Termidor Foam, but those are not as great of a value.

What is the best way to kill termites?

If you have an active termite infestation in your home, we feel that a combination of traditional liquid termiticides and termite baits is the best approach.

How long does a termite barrier last?

If you leave the treated soil, undisturbed, this barrier will last about 5 years.

What is the number to call for termiticide?

D. If you feel that your house is treatable under difficult conditions, or you have experience in termiticide applications, call us at 800-476-3368. We will be glad to discuss the situation with you if you wish.

Can you treat a fence post?

You can treat your fence posts, wooden sheds, mail boxes, etc. in the yard. If your home is a block type of construction, and you do have adequate crawl space clearance to apply the chemicals. If after the house has been treated, you could choose to install and maintain your own termite baiting system. At: How to do your own termite baiting, the ...

Do you need proof of termite treatment?

If you need a clearance letter or proof of termite treatment, this needs to be done by a licensed pest control operator. Mortgage companies won't accept proof of termite clearance other than from a certified company.

Can you use termite bait on a house?

Termite baits have proven to be an effective means of dealing with termites. Remember though, that termite baits are not a barrier. They will reduce the population of termites in the area and thereby lessening the chances of termites finding their way into your house. An overview of the termite baiting process is discussed at at Termite Baiting Process-Overview.

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 to get rid of termites?

This DIY termite control project is quite effective: Dig a trench around the entire problem area and fill it with a foam-based non-repellent termite insecticide. "Non-repellent" means that termites won't be driven away from it, but rather they try to move through it and die. And it's ideal for stopping repeat encounters.

How to keep termites out of wood?

Any place that you have wood that you want to protect—especially siding and decks—you should try to separate it from soil (where termites linger) by at least 18 inches. This is enough to keep termites uninterested. The easiest method is to use a gravel bed, which can serve as DIY termite control and good drainage at the same time.

How to check for termites in a crawl space?

Grab Your Flashlight. The easiest way to check for termites is to get a good flashlight and head down to your crawlspace or basement. Take a close look around for any signs of damage or mud tubes, paying close attention to edges and corners. And if you come across wood that you think may have termite damage, you can always try the old thumb test. ...

What is termiticide used for?

Repellent termiticides help you protect wood that has not yet been located by termites. Use it around sheds, decks, fences and similar areas to help prevent termites from discovering them. 10 / 13. Csehak Szabolcs/Shutterstock.

What is the best way to keep termites out of your house?

Cardboard is another big draw for termites. If you store anything in cardboard around your house or garage, replace that cardboard with plastic bins. If you store cardboard for recycling, make sure it's in a recycling bin and not just piled up somewhere.

Do termites eat concrete?

Several times a year, take a slow walk around your foundation and look for any signs of damage so you can formulate a termite treatment plan. No, termites don't eat concrete, but they do create mud tubes, which are a sign termites are trying to scale up your foundation in search of siding or other tasty wood.

Can termites eat wood?

When building something new for your garden or yard, remember to use pressure-treated wood to help prevent termite damage. Termites rarely try to eat wood combined with chemicals.

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Home Termite Treatment Is Not Complicated!

Image
The reason many people choose for a professional to visit their home is because they’re under the impression that ‘doing it yourself’ is a complex and time-consuming task. Well, it’s not! Termite stationscan easily be set up using minimal equipment, professional-grade products and with how-to advice from industry exp…
See more on termigold.com

Minimal Equipment Is Needed

  • Conducting an at-home termite treatment can feel intimidating when you consider the amount of equipment that might be required. In actual fact, all that’s really needed is simple garden equipment such as a shovel and a wheelbarrow to remove dirt. All you need to do isdig a hole into the ground, place the station in the ground, pack the dirt around it tightly, and finish the top flus…
See more on termigold.com

Professional-Grade Products

  • No termite treatment can be carried out effectively without the right products. Instead of heading to your local Bunnings and getting any product, it’s important to do your research and pick a professional grade product capable of complete colony elimination. TermiGold’s termite baitwas developed by industry experts and designed for both professional and DIY use. Once termites be…
See more on termigold.com

Easy-To-Follow Tutorials

  • Once you’ve gathered your equipment and your termite bait stations arrive, carrying out a DIY termite treatment may seem daunting. This is why TermiGold creates easy-to-follow guides and tutorials, so even the most inexperienced homeowner can safely carry out this process. Whether you need to know how termite bait works, how to position your termite stations or how to apply …
See more on termigold.com

Contact Termigold to Get Rid of Termites For Good!

  • Shop online today and easily solve all your termite worries! If you have any questions regarding termites, termite damage, or the removal of termites, feel free to get in touchwith the TermiGold team.
See more on termigold.com

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