control_header.jpg

Sponsored Listing

Home » Control » Do It Yourself Termite Control

Do It Yourself Termite Control

Pros & Cons of DIY Termite Removal Treatments

With the evolution of DIY (Do It Yourself) products for virtually all home projects, termite control technologies and products have evolved as well. DIY for termite control is something that homeowners typically are interested in because professional termite control is more expensive than general pest control. Homeowners usually find that there is a reason for the price differential; termite control requires expertise.

There are two types of termites which attack homes. These are subterranean termites and drywood termites. Subterranean termites require moisture and can live in the soil or in moist parts of a home. Workers feed on the wood of a structure or wood in ground and can cause extensive damage. Control of subterranean termites usually means going to the source and treating the soil and/or structure by trenching and treating along the foundation, inside and outside of the structure. Baiting is another method to control termites by placing stations and monitoring activity. Wood treatment can also be done using a variety of products. Each of these methods requires specialized equipment.

For drywood control, the source must be found after thorough inspection and the wood members of the structure are treated. This also requires some specialized tools.

Many homeowners are fearless when it comes to trying to perform home improvements. They will tackle plumbing, framing, landscaping, insulation, and other home maintenance necessities. Products for homeowner use for termite control have limited value in that they can provide a knock down of termites that are visible but these product labels usually suggest contacting a professional for a complete job. Required equipment might include hammer drills, augers, large capacity tanks, pumping units, and personal protection equipment are materials only typically possessed by the professional. Also, the professional has the training that a homeowner does not have. In addition, termite control work is time consuming and most people prefer to put their trust in a professional pest control company.

Boric Acid & Termites

Boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) are produced derived from mined boron. Both are effective against insects with DOT being the most common product used for termite control as it has a long residue and can treat wood and concrete.

Boric Acid & Termites

Boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) are produced derived from mined boron. Both are effective against insects with DOT being the most common product used for termite control as it has a long residue and can treat wood and concrete.

Chemical Free Termite Control

For certain types of termites, such as drywood termites, localized treatment can be utilized such as heat, electronic shock, and freezing using nitrogen. For subterranean termites, some new reduced toxicity approaches are being developed.

Do It Yourself Termite Repellent

Contrary to what might be posted about home remedy termite repellents, there are no concoctions which will repel termites that one can make in the kitchen. While some products that professionals use might be repellents, they are carefully formulated for that purpose and have been tested.

Kill Termites with Borax

Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) is mined and the basis of Borax. It can be dusted into drywood termite galleries for control. It can also be painted onto wood in various formulations to protect the wood against subterranean termites.