How to Treat a House for Termites by Drilling the Slab Inches Apart

A severe termite infestation can cause structural damage to your home.

Subterranean termites are not merely another pest, they can be a potential hazard to your home's concrete structure. While they do not eat concrete, they often bore mud tunnels through your home's foundation, which will significantly degrade the concrete slab over time. Treating for termites in your concrete foundation involves drilling into the foundation and applying the appropriate chemicals into the slab.

Things You'll Need

• Drill gun
• 1/2-inch drill bit
• Protective eyewear
• Chemical resistant gloves
• Chemical resistant boots
• Termiticide
• Spray container
• Pin-stream spray nozzle
• Bag of concrete
• Mixing container

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Instructions

1. Put on some protective eyewear. Start at 4 inches away from one end of the concrete slab, and using a 1/2-inch drill bit, drill holes at 12 inches apart all across the slab.

2. Read the label on your termiticide of choice. Mix the termiticide into a chemical spray container according to the label, as mandated by law. Most termiticides require no more than 0.8 ounces per gallon of water. Attach the pin-stream nozzle to the spray container.

3. Put on chemical resistant gloves and boots. Fill each drilled hole with the chemical mixture, according to the label included with the termiticide.

4. Mix some concrete into a separate bucket or similar container. Follow the concrete manufacturer's mixing instructions. Cover each drilled hole in the mixed concrete. Let the wet concrete dry for the amount of time recommended by the concrete manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to mix the chemical away from any drains or open water sources to avoid any water contamination.

• If you notice significant cracks or holes in your foundation do not attempt to do this treatment yourself. Contact a licensed and bonded pest control professional, as well as a licensed and bonded concrete contractor.

References

• University of Florida: Subterranean Termites
• Do My Own Pest Control: How to Do a Termite Treatment