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Termite Inspection/Control San Antonio

Many times it is necessary or prudent to have your house treated by a professional pest control expert especially if the house is on slabs or if the house has a basement (because of the drilling required). Also, it is necessary to use an expert or a specialized company if the proof of a termite treatment or a clearance letter is required.

The most common methods used against termites are termiticides and baits. The decision of which method or product to use must be considered very carefully.

Termiticides

The traditional method of termite control is through termiticide, a liquid pesticide that is applied to the soil around and under the house, approximating the potential entry points for termites. This liquid will provide a protective barrier around and under the house and it will kill or repel termites who try to penetrate it. More on this site @ https://jenkinspest.com/san-antonio-termite-control/

There are two types of termiticides that can be used: a repellent older and a non-repellent newer.

The repellent termiticide creates a barrier around the house that prevents the termites from entering. But this pesticide will only affect the termites that come in contact with the barrier and it will not touch the rest of the colony. Also, it has to be applied through the soil as uniformly and completely as possible. Many entry points, though, are located behind walls or other obstructions and are harder to find. This method might require extensive drilling through the outside foundation and walls to ensure overall coverage as well as an adequate volume of termiticides.

Non-repellent termiticide represents a new approach to controlling termites. Termites enter the barrier without being aware of the pesticide and they contaminate the rest of the termites and colony. With this type of termiticide missing some of the hard-to-reach entry points is not as big of a problem compared to the old type as long as most of the entry points are touched.

Some of the liquid treatments can be applied around the house foundation on both sides, foundation walls, and under plumbing penetrations in slabs and bath traps. Trenching and drilling may be necessary in order to reach deeper or hidden points. A few of the new termiticides can be effectively applied only in the exterior perimeter of the house and if the termites were found in inside areas. then a localized treatment can be also applied. This type of pesticide is easier to apply and requires less drilling and pesticide.

If the termiticides are correctly applied they will be effective for approximately 5 years.

Termite Bait

Termite bait systems have the purpose of killing the entire colony and protecting the home. These systems can be used alone or in association with the termiticides and they can be installed underground or above ground. It is recommended by the specialist to use first monitoring devices that will be replaced afterward with the bait systems if termites activity is found.

Bait systems contain a bait cartridge, a mix of cellulose and a non-repellent termiticide that will attract and kill termites and the rest of their colony. This system requires the installation of multiple bait stations around the house, preferably 10 to 20 feet from each other and two feet away from the foundation of the house.

These systems are fairly easy to install and also more eco-friendly since they use a limited amount of pesticides. They are also more targeted being an effective option even for areas where the regular termiticide is not allowed because of infestation risks. On the other hand, this method is a slow-acting one and it can take months before the entire colony is killed. It is also necessary to continue the use of the monitoring device even after the colony is killed since the bait does not help prevent future infestations.

Some of the dry wood or damp wood termites, as well as Formosan, might require more extensive wood treatment and fumigation.

Expected Costs

Every year termites are the cause of billions of dollars in damage in the United States and homeowners spend an average of $3,000 in repairs after they found termite damage.

There are a few methods and a great variety of products that can be used to exterminate termites. Most of the specialized companies provide a free inspection of the building and an estimate for the custom extermination plan.

The cost of the termite extermination is based on the size of the building and it depends on the method used and the complexity of the termite invasion. Usually, for the houses built on a slab foundation, the price is higher.