Posted September 15, 2023 by Sarah Malone
Category: Advice, Termites
When it comes to Termite Treatments on an exisiting building there are a variety of types of treatments and not all treatments work for each situation. As a qualified pest controller, it is our job to identify the type of termites found, where they are and what will work best to eliminate them from your property.
Termite treatments can vary depending on if the house is on a concrete slab, on piers or if the termites are found inside or outside the house or if a treatment had already been carried out at the time of construction.
A few common types of treatments include:
Termite Baiting and Monitoring Programs:
In-ground timber stations are placed throughout the property to target termites’ foraging areas. Temporary above-ground stations are used in locations with active termites, and are removed after eradication. When termites are found in monitored in-ground stations, bait is applied to eliminate the colony. While effective, this treatment doesn’t ensure future termite prevention, necessitating ongoing inspections.
Inground termite monitoring stations.
These stations are placed around the building and this shows that termites have found it and have started to make up home inside the station. We can then add the termite bait directly into this station for the termites to feed on and take back to the nest.
Chemical Termite Liquid Barriers:
Termiticide is used in the soil surrounding a building’s exterior and accessible sub floor spaces. It repels or kills termites on contact, preventing damage. Incomplete if sub floor access is limited, other methods might be needed. Effective for years if undisturbed, but chemicals degrade over time. Regular inspections advised, and limitations should be addressed if feasible.
This is a Nasutitermes Termite mound nest we found.
To treat these nests, we have to dig them up and treat all the workings and termites with an termiticide to kill out the nest.
Termite Nest Location:
Pest Alert Technicians are skilled in finding and eradicating termite nests. Nests might be apparent like dirt mounds, treatable by digging, or concealed. Suspicious trees and stumps are test-drilled to locate hidden termite colonies. If found, treatment is applied through these holes, minimizing tree harm. This targeted approach treats the nest directly.
Test drilling trees to see if there are hidden nests inside.
We look for various suspicious areas in trees to drill and see if there are hidden termites inside. We then inject a termiticide into the tree to kill out the nest which stops termites from destroying the tree.
Termite Dusting
Termite dust is used in areas with active termites but no nest. It adheres to termites’ skin, which is then spread within the colony through grooming and feeding. It takes days to work, aiding wider distribution. Dead termites are consumed, deepening the impact until full elimination. Regular property inspections are crucial for ensuring colony eradication.
How do you pick what treatment to use?
Picking which method is best for your property can be difficult and pricing can be a huge deterrent. A lot of people want to just treat the termites directly and this seems like the quick and cheapest way to go but it isn’t always the most effective way to remove termites from your property. This can just cause them to move to another area and cause further damage to your home and higher costs in repairs. It is important to use a termite treatment which can either apply a long-lasting chemical or physical barrier or by treating the termite nest.
By having a qualified pest controller with years of experience you are able to get the most effective termite treatment and do it right the first time.
For more information on termites click here or to have a chat to one of our technicians give our office a call.