Termite Control Options
Termites are a constant threat to houses and occupiers must take measures, even from day one. Tackling the problem requires specialized knowledge of building construction in order to identify the possible routes to your structure's interior. In addition, equipment such as drills, pumps and large quantities of pesticide are essential to cope with termites; for this reason, professionals are hired to do the job. There are four main methods to confront termites, each chosen according to the level of the infection and the building's structure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pesticide Injection
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Professionals use hammer drills to open holes in a concrete slab and inject termiticide underground through a tube. This way a chemical barrier between your building and the termites is formed. Termiticides are lethal to termites, killing them instantly. However, the chemicals injected can also be repellent, preventing termites from even reaching the wooden parts of the structure, as well as killing the those already within the structure, since they cannot return to the soil.
Trenching
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In order to deal with the problem of re-infestation, entomologist Mike Potter came up with the idea of "trench warfare," as he called it. This method involves digging a continuous trench around an infected house and filling it with non-detectable chemical products. Trenching was tested initially in Kentucky back in 1999 and its success led to its wide adoption, despite the fact that it is a long and costly procedure.
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Termite Baits
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Similar to baiting techniques used against most animals and insects, termite baits are comprised of wood, paper or cardboard, in addition to lethal substances. These termiticides are slow-acting, allowing the termite to infect more members of the colony before it succumbs. Termite control using baits can take from a handful of weeks to years and require expertise by the applicator and constant monitoring. However, this technique is environmentally friendly, as there is no danger of liquid termiticide leaching underground.
Sand Against Termites
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Instead of applying chemicals of any form, you can use sand barriers. Not every type of sand is suitable, as its particles must be of a specific size to prevent termites from crawling through. Barriers must be applied in places such as under beams, pier and foundations, with the sand layer being 4 inches thick. Installation on trenches, ideally measuring 4 inches deep and 6 inches wide is preferred to avoid disturbance of the sand barrier.
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References
Resources
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