Treatment Options
Northwest Termite and Pest Control uses the most effective method of treatment with a less toxic approach to termite and pest control at competitive prices. Our top priority, however, is to use the method that works.
Click on links below or scroll down for information on:
- Soil Treatments
Subterranean termites
- Baiting
Subterranean termites
- Fumigation
Wood boring beetles and drywood termites
- Electro Gun
Drywood termites and beetles
- Borates
A pretreatment to wood
Soil Treatments
The most common and considered the most effective method of treatment is the barrier system. This treatment involves placing a material barrier between the subterranean termite colony and the structure. On a raised foundation this involves treating both sides of the foundation wall and at each pier post. Where a slab abuts the structure we drill and inject termiticide into the soil below. Any termites left in the structure will have to go back to the soil. Northwest Termite does not use petroleum based materials.
| The installation of a chemical soil barrier requires expert knowledge and specialized equipment to form a complete and continuous barrier to protect the building from a termite entry and infestation - as illustrated below: | |
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| Trench and treat soil around external concrete slab edge - a common termite entry point | Trench and treat soil around walls and piers in the sub-floor area |
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| Use rod injection to treat soil along and around the external perimeter area of the building | Drill concrete floor along all expansion joints and cracks, and treat soil there under |
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Drill concrete floor around pipes and treat soil there under | Drill concrete patio areas and treat soil area therein - a high risk termite nest location |
To be consistent with our IPM guidelines, Northwest Termite will use the least toxic, most effective termiticides available. The two products we are currently using are Premise 75 and Termidor Professional.
Premise was first released for use in the public arena in the USA more than 7 years ago - it is the original non-repellant termiticide (discussed below). Premise has since built a solid reputation as a reliable long term termite control product with virtually no serious problems encountered in the marketplace.In addition to its' low toxicity, Termador termiticide has consistently proven to be 100% effective in the treatment of subterranean termites. Subsequently, Northwest Termite and Pest Control, Inc. offers a full five year retreatment warranty. These warranties are transferable if the homeowners decide to sell their house.
Termidor works like bait only far superior. It is a slow acting toxin that will start killing termites with in four to six weeks. During this time the termites freely move and forage in the treated soil ingesting Termidor and transferring it on their bodies. Both ingesting and contact of Termidor are lethal to termites. Termites freely share food, (trophalaxis) subsequently through this "transfer effect" Termidor can spread through out the colony.
Other advantages of Termidor include:
- Manages colonies, not just a barrier treatment
- Low dose treatment, less toxic and no odors (no voc off gassing)
- Can only be used by certified companies. Northwest Termite has been Termidor Certified since Termidor was licensed in California.
- Data collected supports seven years of 100% control.
Baiting
Baiting
has received much publicity in the last couple of years. We use baits
for subterranean termites on occasion. Baiting is not necessarily effective
in all situations. Sometimes we will use a combination of conventional
treatments with baits and sometimes we advise against baiting altogether.
We must evaluate the situation to give the customer the best possible
and most effective method of treatment for their situation.
The concept of baiting is to place monitor stations (non-treated cellulose)
around the perimeter of the house. We come back in about one month to
check for infestations and to determine where the concentration of infestations
are located. We then replace monitor stakes with treated bait stations.
The idea is that the termites take the treated bait back to their colony
and infest the colony. Some baits claim colony elimination. This can take
many months to several years if at all. Some times we will combine baiting
with localized treatments. Baits are effective for long term colony reduction.
A termite baiting program can be integrated with a range of methods including
drilling susceptible trees and eradication of any termite nest located
therein. In addition, a localized or perimeter soil treatment using Termidor or Premise is also recommended.
Northwest Termite and Pest Control uses both above ground and below ground bait stations.
The product we find most versatile is Exterra.
Northwest Termite and Pest Control will always send our customers a copy
of the label of any chemicals we use. If you are pregnant, have small
children or are just concerned about the products being used we recommend
you consult your doctor.
Fumigation
Fumigation is the most comprehensive method to treat for both wood boring beetles and drywood termites. It is usually the most effective, especially if the infestation extends into inaccessible areas. At this time there are no viable alternatives for a whole-structure fumigation. A fumigation for drywood termites involves sealing the house with a tarp and injecting either Sulfuryl Fluoride or Methyl Bromide.
For a Whole-Structure Fumigation, you will need to do the following:
- Vacate the structure for 3 to 6 days
- Remove all food, plants, medicine (any thing for human consumption).
- Clear at least a 12-inch path around the perimeter of the structure, including brush, trees and attached fences.
- When a fumigation is ordered, you will receive full instructions and sign a list of waivers.
Electro Gun
Electro-gun
for termite control
Northwest Termite technicians are specialists in the use of the Electro-gun and Microwave system. These less invasive options are effective with drywood termites and beetles and provide another option instead of using poison gas.
Borates
Borate
solutions stop termites in their tracks.
If you are building a new home, borates can be used as a pretreatment to wood. We treat the raw wood after framing and roofing are up, but before insulation and drywall are installed. If your home is already built, the product works effectively as a preventative to infestations by treating any exposed wood, or wood used for any future additions you may make to your home. Many times your best solution for existing infestations is treating problem areas remedially by either spray, foam, injection or dust.
Read about Borates at these Company websites: