Subterranean termite infestations are perhaps the most dreaded pest infestations out there. These insects can cause thousands of dollars in damage, and they often go undetected in the home. Luckily, there are plenty of treatment options out there, but, like with any pest infestation, these treatments use poisonous chemicals to kill the pests. This leaves many homeowners wondering just how dangerous these treatments are.
Tenting and fumigation
Out of all the termite control methods out there, fumigation is the most intrusive. It requires the home to be vacated for a few days, when it will be covered by a large tent and filled with a gaseous termiticide. Luckily, this method is not used against subterranean termites – it only targets large drywood termite infestations. It is perhaps the most toxic control method, but if you follow all the instructions of the pest control team you hired, it is very safe.
Bait systems
Bait systems are the least toxic termite control method. They are used exclusively against subterranean termites, and they are not very intrusive. They consist of a series of plastic containers that are installed in the ground surrounding the home, and in these containers you have a bait that is laced with insecticide. The termites will find this bait, take it back to the colony, and eventually the colony will be destroyed, either when it does not have enough workers to feed itself, or when the queen dies. It’s a very simple, but effective concept.
Wood treatments
Wood treatments are fairly toxic, but they are safe when applied by a pro. They also target mostly drywood and dampwood termites, and they are not generally used against subterranean termite infestations. The application process consists of spraying or injecting insecticide onto or into infested wood, and it is designed to kill any termites that are inside of it.
Chemical barriers
Chemical barriers are another subterranean termite-exclusive control method. The installation process requires digging a ditch around the home, and injecting liquid insecticide in it. This will create a barrier that is made out of poisonous chemicals, through which termites cannot pass through alive. They are a very safe control method, and they have a minimal environmental impact, but they have to be installed by a pest control professional.
If you have any questions about these control methods and their safety, or if you have a subterranean termite infestation that needs to be removed, contact us today.