Subterranean Termite Control
Most subterranean termite control is done by applying either termiticides to the soil or termite monitoring bait stations in or around the structure. The goal is to establish a continuous insecticide barrier between the termite colony (usually in the soil) and wood in a building. Sometimes, there may be a secondary termite colony above the soil (in the roof or other areas with a constant moisture supply) that requires additional treatment. The termite baits do not leave a residual chemical in the soil. However, they can reduce and may eliminate a termite colony. While this method of controlling termites is very appealing because it does not require extensive site preparation such as drilling or trenching and extensive application of insecticide to the soil or structure, research is still ongoing to develop the most effective baits and delivery systems.
Controlling Subterranean Termites
Subterranean and dampwood termites in structures cannot be adequately controlled by fumigation, heat treatment, freezing, or termite electrocution devices because the reproductives and nymphs are concentrated in nests near or below ground level in structures out of reach of these control methods. The primary methods of controlling these termites are the application of insecticides or baiting programs.
Use of insecticides should be supplemented with the destruction of their access points or nests. To facilitate control of subterranean termites, destroy their shelter tubes whenever possible to interrupt access to wooden substructures and to open colonies to attack from natural enemies such as ants. For dampwood termites, if infestations are small, destroy accessible nests by removing infested wood. Removing excess moisture from wood will also destroy dampwood termite nests.
Insecticides are applied to the soil either in drenches or by injection. Special hazards are involved with applying insecticides to the soil around and under buildings and a licensed professional does these procedures best. Applications in the wrong place can cause insecticide contamination of heating ducts, radiant heat pipes, or plumbing used for water or sewage under the treated building. Soil type, weather, and application techniques influence the mobility of insecticides in the soil; soil-applied insecticides must not leach through the soil profile to contaminate groundwater.
In the past, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides (e.g., chlordane) and organophosphates (chlorpyrifos) were extensively used for termite control but many of these materials have been phased out because of health and environmental concerns. Active ingredients in currently available termiticides can be broadly classified as repellent or nonrepellent. Pyrethroids, such as permethrin and cypermethrin (Dragnet and Demon), are considered to be repellent. This means that the termites are able to detect the insecticide, which basically serves as a barrier, and they are repelled by it without receiving a dose that will kill them. Therefore, when using these materials it is important to make sure there are no gaps or breaches in the barrier. Also, any adjoining structures must be monitored to ensure that the repelled termites don't infest them.
Recently introduced chemicals (imidacloprid and fipronil) are now available that are less toxic to humans and other mammals than the older insecticides but highly toxic to insects. Both of these insecticides are also nonrepellent to termites and have been shown to be effective in killing termites at low dosage rates under California's climatic conditions. Generally, the most effective insecticides are only available to licensed structural pest control operators. Some manufacturers of certain insecticides such as Termidor require PCO’s to pass their own standards of application and certify individual inspectors/applicators for the use of their product to ensure accurate treatments. Seashore Pest Control, Inc. is certified for the use of these insecticides and are licensed, bonded and insured for your protection.
