How Termiticides Work on Termites

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.

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.

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.

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.