Repercussions from termite infestation are devastating, yet there are several effective treatments available that can protect your home. Many homeowners worry about how long these measures will last before needing another remedy.
On average, professional termite treatments last up to five years when properly maintained and inspected periodically. For their effectiveness to remain optimally functioning for that duration.
Liquid Treatments
Liquid termite treatments, also known as soil treatments, form an impregnable barrier against termites entering homes from underground. When applied around foundations, this form of protection lasts up to five years and may help eliminate existing infestations as well as serve as preventive measure during construction projects.
Your pest control specialist will discuss treatment options that will best fit you and your property during a termite inspection, for instance using products like Termidor(r), which is a highly-effective termiticide that repels subterranean termites upon contact with it. Hulett Environmental Services typically uses Termidor(r), among others, which are proven effective against subterranean termites when applied by established companies such as Hulett Environmental Services.
Bait stations may take longer than liquid-soil treatments but can successfully eliminate an entire colony containing its queen within three months, though unlike physical barriers they require annual inspections and maintenance to remain effective; this could be a significant drawback if you're seeking an instant solution to your termite issues.
Bait Stations
Bait stations utilize cellulose-based bait with slow-acting insecticides that termites can consume and spread back to their colony where it kills other termites. Bait stations provide an effective option for homes that cannot install physical barriers; their less toxic nature make them suitable for residential homes as well. A professional will have to monitor this option regularly and replace any bait that is expired or no longer active with fresh product.
No matter which treatment option you select, preventive measures are key. Fix any leaky pipes or gutters, clean out rain gutters regularly, ensure proper drainage around your home to reduce moisture that attracts termites, inspect regularly for cracks or gaps that allow termites access into your structure, and install permanent physical barriers which reduce pesticide needs over the lifetime of the structure. Taking these steps could make an enormous difference when protecting your home against costly termite damage; and will greatly decrease pesticide usage over its lifecycle.
Tenting
Fumigation (or tenting) can be an effective method of treating large infestations that require powerful fumigants. The process usually lasts days and involves evacuating your home, wrapping it in plastic tenting material, and spraying the structure with termite-killing chemicals to eradicate all termite populations within.
Due to the non-residual fumigant used in this process, homeowners are usually advised to double bag or remove unsealed food items and medicines as well as cosmetics and other chemically sensitive items from their home before moving indoor plants outside for fumigatation.
Once the termite fumigation specialist confirms that enough fumigant has been exposed to kill all active colonies in your house, they'll remove the tent and allow you to return. You should wait approximately six hours before reentering to ensure all fumigant has dissipated completely.
Heat Treatments
Termite heat treatments involve injecting clean dry heat into a structure in order to kill off dry wood termites. Gradually increasing temperatures until wood core reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit - their thermal kill point. Prior to this procedure taking place, all items vulnerable to high temperatures such as electronics or furniture must be moved out of its immediate area.
Fumigation requires people to remain out of a structure for several days while their gas pilot lights must be extinguished and relit both prior to and following treatment; termite heat treatments only take several hours, making them an appealing solution for homeowners and businesses who wish to minimize inconvenience when vacate their properties.
Under regular inspection and proper preventive measures, termite treatments typically last five years or more. But should any sign of termites appear again during that time, professional help must be sought immediately for additional treatment.
