What are the Different Methods of Termite Control?

Termites are a common pest throughout various regions of the world, and the damage that they cause can be devastating. These insects can seem practically invisible and can be very difficult to detect sometimes. They have the potential to destroy practically any structure, from small houses to large buildings, if gone unnoticed and untreated. There are different types of termite control designed to alleviate the problem of termites, and each requires professionals and specialized equipment and chemicals.

One of the most effective methods of termite control is to treat a structure while it is being built in order to prevent possible future termite infestations. This is known as a pretreatment, and involves the use of termiticidal, or termite-killing, chemicals on the soil that the house or building is to be built upon. The primary advantage of this type of termite control is that it is much less expensive than treating termite infestations on an existing structure, which may also be severely damaged by termites if left unnoticed. The soil is simply sprayed with long-lasting pesticides while a foundation is being built, and covers practically every point where termites can enter, especially the corners that can be difficult to reach once the house or building has been completed.

When a termite infestation has been detected on an existing structure, it is important to make an informed decision before determining a method as well as a termite control company. One method of termite control is baiting, through which an infestation is eliminated by using baits that attract and kill the problematic pests. A company using baits will often need to make several visits to ensure that the traps are doing their job, and the process can last from several weeks to an entire year before the termites are taken care of. The baits can also be used in conjunction with termiticide, which are designed to kill on contact.

Another method of termite control is the use of soil barriers, which are similar to the pretreatment methods, only after the structure has been built. Different methods are used to build a barrier between the house and the soil which will repel or kill the termite population, and can last for several years once they have been put into place. One of these is the sub-slab method, through which holes are drilled in the foundation and pesticides are applied to enter the soil beneath the structure.

Another method of soil barrier application is through trenching, or the digging of a trench around the foundation of the home, and then filled with dirt that has been treated. Finally, there is rodding, where rods are inserted at intervals around the foundation through which the pesticides are applied. Rodding is one of the least effective methods because of the gaps between the intervals, but different combinations of methods are often applied based on the type structure being treated. Foam is another relatively new method of termite control where termiticides are converted into a foamy material and injected into problem area of a home.