Termite Control Research - The Facts

There are situations in which a conventional termite treatment is particularly problematic, undesirable, or even not possible. Some situations call demand special handling, others may require alternative approaches. For example:

The treatment requires extensive drilling of floor slabs through wooden, tiled or carpeted floors, or through other masonry which could be damaged.

Liquid treatment may be prohibited, e.g., there's a well or cistern under or too close to the foundation wall.

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Liquid treatment is considered unacceptable for whatever reason. The treatment requires drilling of floor slabs through wooden, tiled or carpeted floors, or through other masonry or you do not want liquid pesticides applied under/around your house. In such situations, there are few alternatives such as termite baits or mechanical control (currently available only for homes under construction). .

Wood TreatmentsAlthough neighborhood or"spot" wood treatments stop termite activity in the treated area, they are not complete termite treatments and they will not stop termites from attacking wood in different areas. One treatment option employs the chemical disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT). This borax-derived compound is applied to critical wooden structural components in the crawlspace and parts of the framing in a home under construction.

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But, depending on the type of construction involved, it may be possible for termites to skip this treatment and assault nearby untreated wood like baseboard molding, trimming, etc.. Compounds that are suitable for wood treatments are listed in the current edition of the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual. .

FumigationIn North Carolina, structural fumigation (sometimes called"tenting") is seldom used for our common subterranean termites. Most residential fumigations are done for drywood termites, which are relatively uncommon in North Carolina, or for wood-boring beetles particularly in log houses.

In the majority of scenarios, the termite treatment on your home includes a one-year termite protection warranty from the pest control company. After one year, you have to determine if you want to continue your contract. The cost of a renewal for a house that was treated with a liquid termiticide is typically between $85-$200, depending on the size and construction type of the house and possibly the kind of guarantee (explained below).

Remember: termites are constantly around us and constantly looking for"meals" (wood). That fact alone does not mean that they are constantly attacking your residence. It only means there is always some chance that termites might find their way unseen into your house. .

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The US Environmental Protection Agency requires that termiticide manufacturers establish their chemicals can remain effective in the soil for at least five decades. In most situations, these substances usually survive longer when applied correctly. But this 5-year requirement is not a guarantee that termites cannot (or may not) invade your home within a five year interval.

These kinds of situations can provide termites with opportunities to invade the home. .

Annual termite contracts are somewhat like health insurance coverages. You are paying to guard your home against the chance of termite attack. An annual contract can be an effective way of preventing termites from causing significant damage through the years. Similarly, this 5-year requirement by the EPA does not mean that the chemical is completely ineffective after 5 decades.

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It's important to understand that an annual contract does not mean that the pest control company re-treats your house each year. Unless there's any evidence of termite activity in the house, annual treatments are in fact illegal under most termiticide labels (and therefore illegal under both state and national law).

When they find evidence of termite activity or if you find evidence of termite activity, then the company requires some acceptable measures, usually a local or'spot' treatment of the infested region. You ought not have to cover any additional treatment to fix a termite problem; that cost is covered by your annual charge.

For example, routine home maintenance aids prevents moisture issues or other conditions which are conducive to termite activity in the area, i.e., if termites visit this page find such place, they're more inclined to remain active or expand their activity in that region. Be sure the termite inspector explains any problem areas that he/she finds during the inspections so that you can fix these issues as soon as possible.

If you're not home when the house is inspected, the inspector should leave some type of notice or report regarding his/her findings. If you're not clear on the results, phone the company's office and ask them to explain if anything important was found. .

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Does my contract policy termite damageAn important point about your contract concerns harm. Many men and women assume that their contract mechanically covers damage fixes, but that's not necessarily the case. Many termite protection contracts offer"retreatment only", i.e., the pest control company will escape areas as necessary in order to correct the issue, but the retreatment is they are obligated to do under the terms of the type of contract.