A friend of ours contacted us about a Termite problem they think they have. Recently they saw a few random flying termites on their property and because they were concerned they called out a company that did an evaluation. The company found that there were no active termite infestations but concluded that a felled tree that was rotting and full of other bugs along with a wood pile that was located near the home could be a problem. Treating the property would cost over $1000 and its just not something that has been budgeted for. We were asked if there was anything that they could do on their own to mitigate problems.
In this How To the use of insecticides will be described. Every person has different reactions to these products as do pets that live in our homes. When working with these products you should always follow the manufacturer’s directions as to the application of the product and any follow up applications that may be required. You should also be careful when using pesticides around any drinking water like a water well or edible plants such as a vegetable garden, fruit trees and bushes and other items.
What Termite Products Are Available For Home Owners?
Products that are available to home owners can be as effective as those that professionals use and although a professional may have more experience in using these products it is well with in reason to do the work yourself if you are healthy and no one in the home has allergies or sensitivity to the products you are using. If you have an allergy to chrysanthemums you may have a problem with insecticides that mimic pyrethrum often named Cyhalothrin it can go by many different brand names that companies give it. It can be a very potent and effective insecticide when used correctly.
There are three types of products normally used to combat insects like Termites
Granules are a great way to treat a large area such as the outside perimeter of your home. Follow the directions of the manufacturer and apply the granules with a spreader. This can easily be done at the same time you are putting down weed and feed in the spring. Treatment with Granules normally lasts about 90 days so you may find the need to treat your home a few times a year.
Spray Dispensers are another way to kill Termites and bugs you can actively see. You can use a concentrate liquid that you dilute and apply with a pump sprayer or you can get premixed liquid in a container that hooks to your garden hose. I like the pump up sprayers because it gives me much more control when applying the product however as in our friends case if I was treating an area that was infested because of rotting wood I would probably want to use a hose attached bottle because it would cover a very large area quickly. Aerosol cans are also very effective indoors if the product allows its use indoors. A professional may still use a pump sprayer but for home owners it is easier to use a can spray.
In Ground Bait Traps are a fairly new method of targeting Termites and they are spike baits that are driven into the ground around your home. You can get a box of a dozen or more for about $50 and treat your home in a very short time with little effort. It is not the only product you should rely on though but it is a method that normally kills the queen and the hive which you can’t do with a spray.
Final Note
Always follow manufacturer directions and if you have any questions about a product call the manufacturer. They are there to help you understand safety and proper application methods. They want to makes sure you are successful.