Subterranean Termite treatment has changed
dramatically over the last two decades. The number of systems,
application techniques and products available for termite control has
tripled in the last 10 years. Subterranean Termites are widespread throughout the United States.
Because they are so abundant, prevention alone may not always protect a
structure from infestation. If a structure has become infested,
additional action must be taken. Over the past few years, the number of
subterranean termite treatment methods has increased dramatically.
Repellent Termiticides:
There are several repellent Termiticides on the market. These Termiticides are all Pyrethroids.
Pyrethroids are fast acting nerve poisons that are highly toxic to
termites but have low toxicity to mammals. Some of the Pyrethroid Termite products include Dragnet FT, Cynoff, and Talstar (FMC
Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa.) and Demon and Prelude (Syngenta, Inc.,
Greensboro, N.C.). The Pyrethroids are also highly repellent to
termites. In most cases, they are so repellent that termites foraging
under the soil will avoid coming into contact with the termiticide and
forage elsewhere.
Non-Repellent Termiticides:
There
are a few non-repellent Termiticide treatments available on the
commercial market.
Termidor (BASF Corporation, is also
a non-repellent termiticide. The active ingredient is Fipronil.
Fipronil is unique in that it can be transferred from one termite to
another through contact and trophallaxis (communal feeding). This allows
it to affect more termites than those that contact the chemical
directly. The advantage of this product is its long-term effectiveness
in the soil. Test data indicate that Fipronil may be effective longer
after the initial application than other liquid termiticide products
Phantom (BASF Corporation, is
another non-repellent termiticide. The active ingredient in Phantom is
chlorfenapyr. Chlorfenapyr is an insecticide that is not toxic to the
insect until it is broken down by enzymes in the insect’s immune system.
Once broken down, the toxic metabolites of chlorfenapyr stop the
insect cells from producing energy. The termites die because they
cannot produce the energy needed to function. Because of its mode of
action, termites contacting Phantom do not die immediately but live long
enough to carry some of the termiticide away in their gut and on their
bodies. These termites live long enough to transfer (through contact and
trophallaxis) some of the termiticide to their nest mates. This
transfer produces secondary kill within the colony.
Premise (Bayer Corporation, contains the active
ingredient imidocloprid. Imidocloprid is unique because it not only
kills termites that contact a lethal dose, but it also kills them at
doses too small to cause immediate death.
These chemicals are not repellants and Termites cannot
detect them in the soil. Therefore, the Termites tunnel into the Termiticide while foraging, contact the chemical, and die.
Liquid Termiticides:
Advantages: Intended to provide immediate protection for the structure. Lasts multiple years in the soil. Non-repellent Termiticides eliminate the problem of termites locating “gaps” in the treatment areas.
Prevention:
Subterranean Termites feed exclusively on wood
materials and have strict moisture requirements. With these
characteristics in mind, a lot can be done to prevent an infestation by
eliminating the food and moisture resources in their environment. Listed
below are a few practical ways to prevent Termite Infestation by
modifying their habitat.
1.) Repair structural and plumbing leaks. 2.) Pull all mulch and landscaping back at least 6 inches from the foundation. 3.) Remove piles of trash and debris from around the home. 4.) Remove dead tree stumps from the yard. 5.) Keep firewood stacked away from the structure. 6.) Make sure downspouts are long enough to direct water away from the foundation. 7.) Keep gutters clean. 8.) Avoid direct wood-to-ground contact when building porches or decks. 9.) Siding, brick veneer, or foam insulation should not extend below the soil grade.
CALL EASTON PEST MANAGEMENT FOR A FREE TERMITE INSPECTION TODAY!!