In nationwide
field tests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Gulfport,
Mississippi evaluates termiticide soil treatments. In general, termiticides
tested under concrete slabs were 100 percent effective for five or more
years when applied at the highest rate, but often were less effective
when applied at lower rates (Source: Pest Management Magazine, pages 14,
15 & 16 - Feb. 1994, Vol. 13, No. 2). Termiticides tested included bifenthrin
(Biflex), cypermethrin (Demon TC), permethrin (Dragnet FT), chlorpyrifos
(Dursban TC), chlorpyrifos (Equity), cypermethrin (Prevail), chlorpyrifos
(Tenure), permethrin (Prelude) and fenvalerate (Tribute). Termiticides
under concrete slabs remained more effective against subterranean termites
for longer periods than when exposed to weather conditions in ground board
tests.
To achieve termite control for long periods of time, termiticides must
be applied as a continuous barrier in the soil at rates required by their
labels. The goal of a termite treatment is to place within the soil and
adjacent to the foundation, an uninterrupted chemical barrier that will
prevent termite travel from the nest in the soil to the wood in the house.
Anything less, in time, can permit reinfestation by termites traveling
through untreated gaps.
In reference to "spot treatments only" in areas of the house where termites
are seen, most pest control firms will neither treat nor guarantee such
a treatment. The reason is of the high probability of termites eventually
finding other untreated points of entry into the structure. Localized
spot treatments are considered a gamble except in re-treatment situations.
A guarantee or annually, renewable contract is normally purchased for
at least the first three to five years after the initial treatment. Guarantees
often vary from firm to firm. Understand what is required by the homeowner
to keep the guarantee in force (a guarantee is no better than the firm
who presents it).
Treating according to formulation label mixing directions using Dursban
Ortho-Klor 12.6 percent would cost the Do-It-Yourself Treatment about
2-1/2 times more money for chemical costs than the licensed pest control
operator using Dursban TC 42.8 percent. Treating foundation voids, under
slabs, in hollow openings of concrete blocks in foundation walls and drilling
would require still more chemical and higher costs. So, when evaluating
very low pest control operator (PCO) bid prices, always ask yourself,
"How can someone treat my home for less that the cost of the chemical
themselves?", "will the strength of the application be less than according
to label directions?", and, "are corners being cut by using less solution
than required to best kill all the termites?"
In addition to the chemical costs there are several other expenses reflected
in the PCO bid. Among these are the purchase and maintenance of the PCO's
business establishment, equipment, training, labor and liability insurance
premiums.
Effective termite control usually requires specialized equipment and often
200 or more gallons of prepared termiticide solution per house, depending
on size, basement, etc.
Some termiticide formulations have more odor than others. The odor is
generally due to solvents in the formulation rather than the insecticide
active ingredient. Odor can be reduced and eliminated by ventilating with
fans during and after treatment. If the odor is of concern to the homeowner,
odorless termiticides and termiticides with special, low odor formulations
are alternatives.
Termite soil treatment is normally a job for the professional, licensed,
certified pest control operator. However, for wood treatment, homeowners
may apply borates (Bora-Care, Shell-Guard, Guardian) or bendiocarb (Ficam
D) one percent dust to voids or channels in damaged structure members.
For soil treatment, only chlorpyrifos (Dursban) Ortho-Klor, available
at garden centers, may be used by homeowners. Sometimes, homeowners can
"do-it-yourself" when treating sandboxes, fence posts and other wood objects
not attached and away from the house.
Other products labeled for termite control include imidacloprid (Premise
75), cyfluthrin (Tempo), permethrin (Flee), tralomethrin (Saga), boric
acid (Borid), borates (Bora-Care, Tim-Bor) and bendiocarb + pyrethrins
(Ficam Plus). Also, deltamethrin (Delta Gard TC, Suspend) is expected
to be labeled for termites. |
