What Should I Look for in a Termite Specialist?

You may realize that you have termites in your home after you identify certain warning signs. Similarly, you can also recognize a qualified termite specialist by certain signs. A qualified termite specialist should possess the following qualities:

• Employment with a licensed pest control company

• Advanced knowledge of construction and home building

• Expert knowledge of termite identification and biology

• Understanding of the local and state ordinances regarding pest control

• Knowledge of the various treatment methods and resources to customize a treatment plan for your home

• Awareness of EPA-approved materials and environmental standards

• Ability to provide detailed written notes of the preliminary inspection

• Confidence in a guarantee of service from a stable company with a reputation for providing effective termite prevention, treatment and control

Find a Termite Inspection and Pest Control Services Near You

Standard Termite Treatment

There are many different types of termite treatments available to homeowners, so how will you know which one is best for your home? This decision should be made carefully, following careful research of the options recommended by your trusted termite specialist. Because your home is unique, it is important that you work closely with your termite specialist to develop an appropriate and effective termite treatment plan.

Subterranean Termite Treatment Options

Liquid Application with Repellent or with Non-Repellent
These types of treatments can be used inside and outside your home, and can also be injected directly into an infested area. Repellent products do not attract termites, but instead make an area unappealing to termites. If a termite does find its way through a repellent producttreated barrier, the termite will be controlled within minutes or hours after encountering the product. On the other hand, non-repellent products are not easily detected by termites, so the insects do not know to avoid the treated area. Forager termites are the first to confront these non-repellent products, which are then shared with the rest of the colony — effectively controlling the colony’s members.

Liquid Application with Bait and Monitoring System
This system uses a combination of liquid treatment at the entry points and infestation sites of a home, as well as termite monitoring stations at various locations around your house. If your termite professional detects termites, the monitoring stations are replaced with bait stations. Termites will then ingest the bait and share it with their nest mates, leading to effective control of the colony.

Drywood Termite Treatment Options

Wood Treatment
Odorless and immediately effective, wood treatment offers protection against further termite infestations. This treatment can be applied directly to the wood or injected into bare wood.

Entire Structure Treatment or Fumigation

With the ability to treat every area of your home, entire structure treatment, or fumigation, is often recommended when multiple termite colonies are found in one structure. Fumigation involves a tent that envelops your home or business before termite specialists release gas, which spreads throughout your home to reach every crack and crevice that may be harboring termites. Since each infestation is unique, be sure to partner with your termite specialist to create a customized plan to treat your home.

Termite Control Chemicals, Termiticide Classes

Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: Banned - A few of the better known chlorinated hydrocarbons are DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, and chlordane.

Organophosphates: are generally more toxic to vertebrates (including humans) than the chlorinated hydrocarbons.

by University of Nebraska, Department of Entomology

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