Termites damage $5 billion of property each year. This price tag may seem daunting to someone looking at buying a house, but advances in pest control technology and the expertise of professionals should give any homeowner confidence in our industry’s ability to treat an infestation.
In most states, lenders require that homes undergo a termite inspection prior to being sold. If termite infestation or damage is found, it is the seller’s responsibility to address the infestation. Interested buyers should question their home’s current owners about the history of termite damage, previous pest control treatments, and any current termite contracts.
How difficult are termites to treat?
Recent consumer research suggests that over 70% of homeowners feel that professional pest control services are more effective than do it yourself treatments; however, this is not to say that some pests are not more difficult to treat than others, even for professionals.
Termites are social insects meaning that they live in large groups and by the time homeowners notice termite damage there is typically a significant infestation. However, the industry continues to invest time and money to develop new products and methods to treat these and all other pests. Our continuing education programs help to enhance current member knowledge about the most up to date treatment options.
Termites are just one pest and although they pose large property threats it is important to also remember how many other pests pose public health threats. More and more consumers are turning to pest control professionals to help them treat this growing threat – a recent national survey found that consumers are more aware of pest-related diseases and the pests that transmit them then ever before.
What are the different types of termite treatments?
Currently, there are three types of treatments available for use by the professional: soil treatments, wood treatments and baits.
Soil treatments are liquid termiticides diluted with water to ensure adequate coverage in the soil. Injection of this system in the soil creates a treated area that repels or reduces the population of termites and envelops the structure with a long-term protection. This is the most commonly used system and may be used in combination with baits and/or wood treatment.
Wood treatments involve treating infested wood or potentially infested wood with liquids such as a traditional treatment or borate materials. This treatment type protects the wood from infestation and reduces or eliminates the infestation in the wood at the time of the treatment.
Baits are relatively new and involve installing bait stations in the ground. Termites then eat the bait and carry the active ingredient throughout the colony or area, thus reducing foraging, which in turn reduces the colony population. Baits are popular since there is no interior drilling, and they are less bother for the homeowner.
What is the most effective type of termite treatment?
The National Pest Management Association and the entire professional pest control industry are committed to providing highly effective treatment options for all pest issues. The most effective type of treatment depends upon the specific infestation. A trained and licensed pest control operator can assess each infestation separately and recommend a rigorous treatment plan that will effectively control the termite population.
