Termites are one of a homeowner’s biggest concerns, and with good reason. Each year in the U.S., termites inflict billions of dollars in property damage.
It’s disheartening to see small insects literally eating up your investment, but pest control technicians can help. Termiticides are materials that pest control experts can apply to kill off a termite colony.
Termites aren’t all the same. Different species, like subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites, vary in behavior and damage potential. If you're unsure what type of termite you're dealing with, this guide to the types of termites found in Tucson can help you understand how to approach treatment more effectively.
Repellent and Non-Repellent Termiticides
Most of the early generations of liquid termiticides work by repelling termites. They also kill some of the termites, but not very efficiently. When the repellent termiticides wear off, the termites can simply re-enter the area.
Newer termiticides aren’t repellents. They work by killing termites that come into contact with the chemicals. Since the termites have trouble detecting non-repellent termiticides, they don’t avoid the area and so they die off more readily.
Liquid Termiticides
Termiticides come in two primary forms—liquids and baits. Most liquid termiticides are repellents, although some of the newer ones are non-repellent. Pest control technicians can apply liquid termiticides so that there is a barrier that completely surrounds the building.
In new construction sites, technicians can thoroughly drench the foundation walls and graded soil prior to the slab being poured. For existing buildings, it’s necessary to dig a trench around the perimeter and treat it with the termiticide.
It’s also important to remember that termite treatment is only one part of the solution. A comprehensive approach includes proactive inspections, moisture control, and understanding conducive conditions. You can explore this topic in more depth in our article on treating for termites and termite prevention, which outlines why regular monitoring and smart prevention steps are critical in Southern Arizona.
Bait Termiticides
Bait termiticides are a newer method of termite control. They are a targeted system that limits the total amount of chemicals that are applied. Typically, a technician will insert plastic stations into the ground around the perimeter of the building.
Untreated wood monitors are attached to these stations. Periodically, the technician will return to the property to check each station. If he or she detects any termites inside, the technician will insert a bait.
Termiticides play a vital role in both residential and commercial pest management. For businesses, the risk can be even higher due to structural complexity and higher foot traffic. Learn more about protecting your business with commercial termite control solutions in Tucson, including pretreatment and large-scale monitoring strategies.
Prevention is the key
If you don't see any signs of infestation, don't be complacent. Termites are insects that remain active year-round and are therefore a constant threat to homes and businesses in Tucson. If you want to learn more about how to prevent a termite infestation, read this complete guide for Termite Prevention in Tucson.
At Essential Pest Control, we’ve been providing effective termite control services for more than three decades. If you have any questions about treating your termite problem, you can reach us at (520) 886-3029. Our expert technicians proudly serve families throughout Southern Arizona, including in Marana and Oro Valley.