Termites are the constant problem for many people, especially in populated areas of tropics. Construction workers, agricultural companies, wooden house owners also have to face them.
Wooden constructions have got serious damage before these insects are detected. In warm areas termites are damaging the palm trees, citrus, eucalyptus and other valuable agricultural crops.
Since the thirties of the last century, mankind has been looking for ways to combat termites.
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- What termite control products can we use?
- Kinds of termites killing products
- The most effective
- How we should choose the most suitable termite control product?
- Useful articles
- Conclusion
Every year “the quiet war” takes billions of dollars. It is necessary to detect termites in early stages as then it will be late and people can lose this war and stay without perhaps the most precious investment – houses.
Nowadays there is a plenty of methods and remedies that can help people not only to get rid of termites, but also to prevent their infestation. Also there are specialists who help people to detect and eliminate the problem.This article will describe best termite killer products and the most effective methods. Having read it, you will be able to choose the most suitable remedies and preventive methods for your house.
What termite control products can we use?
The modern protection of structures and buildings requires expensive and time-consuming activities.
Invisible way of life and the special manner of the cellulose consumption lead to the fact that termites can dwell in the house and remain completely unnoticed.
The first 5 years after the settlement of the “white ants” the consequences of their destructive “works” can’t even be seen, but then it is too late.
That is why it is necessary to take all possible steps to protect the house from herbivorous insects, and if they are already infested your house, to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Many people who suffered from termite infestation recommend these methods and products to eliminate them.
A cardboard trap. This is a wide-spread method and people see the efficiency of it. The necessary products are sheets of cardboard and water. You should wet sheets and stack them together, then put them to the place where termites dwell.
It will be “a cellulose burger” for termites. When termites fill the cardboard sheets, they should be taken to the safe place and burned.
Nematode worms. These small worms are natural parasites to garden pests, including termites. Nematodes penetrate into host bodies for their own development, e.g. in larvae of termites, and kill them within 48 hours. Nematodes use insect body for the breeding.
Heating. If termites have infested any furniture, then take it to sunlight which will kill insects. Furniture should be taken in sunny weather for 2-3 days.
If you live in a rainy region and the sunny weather is rare, use the alternative method — freezing. If it is possible disassemble the interior and place it in a large freezer for 2-3 days.
Advice! This method can be combined with a cardboard trap. You can raise the efficiency by this way.Here you can learn more information about effective termite control remedies: Bora-Care, Boric acid, Borate, Fipronil, Chlorpyrifos, Chlordane, Borax, Timbor, Termidor, Terminator, Phantom, Lorsban, Biflex, Terro. You can choose different forms, such as – foam, liquid, powder.
Kinds of termites killing products
Nowadays we can see a variety of chemical products that can help to control and kill a termites’ colony. These chemical can be used in liquid, powder, foam or gas form, a choice depends on the type of termites.
Liquid
Termidor (Fipronyl) is a popular termite control insecticide, especially in the USA. It is the only insecticide which efficiency is 100%.
The active ingredient fipronyl kills termites and also has a transfer effect passing from workers to the whole colony. But Termidor has a high toxicity, that is why it is forbidden in European countries, Japan and in other countries.
Be careful! Do not let pets and other animals locate near infested area when it is treated by this tool!Phantom (Chlofenapyr) is also wide known termite treatment product. It has a low toxicity, so its use is safe.
Altriset (Chlorantraliniprole) is an insecticide that paralyses termites. It starts working immediately and then termites stop feeding wood. Due to the low toxicity it can be used in houses and other wooden buildings.
Taurus (Fypronyl) is another liquid termite treatment product – an Israel variant of Termidor. Unlike the american original product, it is not so toxic, but not so effective.
All of these products paralyse the nervous system of termites, and then insects die.
Here you can learn more information about termite bait systems: Advance, Green, CSIRO, Nemesis, Exterra, Firstline, Terminate. Also find out how to make baits by yourself and how to refill them?
Foam
Solo Wall Foamer is the best termite treatment product. It is used in places that are hard to reach. You should use it for the entire length where termites dwell.
Termidor foam is another anti termite treatment products. This foam can completely isolate termites. You should observe termites’ place of accumulation, then cover it with the foam. They will not be able to move due to its structure and the chemical texture is deadly for termites.
Powder
Delta Dust is a powder termiticide. It has an active ingredient deltamethrin. It penetrates into the holes and clings to the walls and other surfaces. Also this product is used as a preventative method.
Alpine is a foam insecticide which contains an active ingredient dinoterufan. It provides a quick control of an isolated termite infestation.
Also the boric acid is a popular and effective tool against termites. It is the main element of many insecticides. The boric acid dehydrates termites and destroy their nervous system.
Learn more about subterranean termites: signs of their activity; best methods of treatment and DIY methods. Eastern subterranean termites and their tunnels and tubes with photo.
The most effective
Each product has its benefits so it is impossible to say that this or that treatment is the best. There is a plenty of insecticides that can be used for termite control treatment.Many of them are safe and effective if they are used according to instructions. The insecticides provide effectiveness for 5-10 years. Each of these products has advantages and disadvantages.
But if we observe generally, then the most effective termite control is Termidor. It is the most popular treatment in the USA against termites. But Termidor is very toxic and cause harm to health of people and pets. Another treatment is fumigation.
Many people use this method to get rid of insects. But fumigation can not affect and kill termites’ eggs, but if the process is successful then there will be no adult termites to feed nymphs and larvae. In addition, gas products do not have prevention effect, so there is a probability of re-infestation.
A termite control product called sulfuryl fluoride was popular, but now it is discovered that it is a greenhouse gas more powerful than carbon dioxide and can linger in the atmosphere for 36 years. Also in high temperature it can decompose into a corrosive acid that is more disadvantage than benefit.
There are few products which positive and negative sides are described. For the full information it will be better to consult with professional pest exterminators.
How we should choose the most suitable termite control product?
If you decide to get rid of termites by yourself, you can face with a question: how to choose the most suitable tool for your house?
We cannot choose this or that termite treatment according to the excellent promotion or good reviews.
Each situation and infestation is individual, so the choice depends on some factors.
All specialists in termite control take into account the following factors:
- The area where you live.
- Type of termites.
- The age and size of termites’ colony.
- Size of your house and others.
If your house is infested recently, then it is better to use spot treatment. When termites dwell in a small area of your house only this part should be treated.
Fumigation is a treatment method which can be used when you face with large infestations affected the entire house. The process of fumigation requires people to leave their houses for 2-3 days while the pest control specialists treat the house with chemicals.
Natural treatments can create a physical barrier, using the steel mesh, sand and the application of biological control tools, such as fungi or nematodes. Specialists recommend such chemical treatments as wood treatments, processing building materials with termiticides, termite baits and liquid insecticides.
Warning! It is important to follow instructions as termiticides can be extremely dangerous.People who have not learned the application of termite treatments before or not sure how to use them should contact a pest control company for professional services. There is usually a team of qualified professionals who use appropriate termite control equipment.
Before asking for a help to company, a person should check the company’s license or call a local pesticide control agency to consult regarding the use of insecticides for eliminating termites.
Useful articles
If you interested in more information of termites we recommend you to read the following articles:
- All types of termites. Are they harmful to humans? Can they bite you? And what is the difference between drywood and subterranean ones?
- What does swarmers of different species look like: drywood, subterranean, formosan?
- Signs of infestation outside and in the house: in walls or furniture.
- How to treat them at home and in the yard: in wood or in fence. How long this process lasts and what is pre-construction and soil treatment?
- What does termite holes look like? What is droppings and is it toxic to humans? Do termites make noises?
- Posible termite damage, how does it look like? Examples of damage in walls and wood floors.
- All about flying termites: how do they look like, swarming season and what to do if there are swarmers in your house?
- How do they do nests and mounds? How to find it in your garden or inside the house?
- Termite life cycle – from egg to larvae. And social hierarchy: workers, soldiers, queen.
- Did you know that termites can infest living trees, for example a palm or a pine tree. They also like to live in stumps.
- You can prevent the infestation by using barriers, such as: HomeGuard, Physical systems, Safeguard, Stainless steel mesh, Kordon.
- If you want to get rid of termites naturally, learn more about such methods as: heat or cold treatment, orange oil, using nematodes.
Conclusion
Termites are dangerous herbivorous insects. Unlike other insects, it is very difficult to get rid of termite by yourself.
Therefore, if you have any problems, use the services of professionals who have the experience, efficient tools, equipment and proven methods of execution of works.
But if you want to kill termites by yourself, you should find out the place of infestation, then observe the type of termites and carefully choose the best product to get rid of termites.
And you should remember about the instructions otherwise tools can do more harm that it was.
