One of the most common questions customers ask us is, ‘What is the best termite treatment for my home or business?’
This question, of course, is very difficult to answer without conducting a thorough inspection of your property, and taking the time to learn about the full extent of the infestation – including the termite species, nest locations, structural damage, and possible entry points.
With this information, your local pest controller will recommend a custom treatment plan to help: i) get rid of the current infestation, and ii) put in place preventive measures to reduce the risk of reinfestation.
But how do you know if the treatment plan your pest controller recommends is the right one for you?
Good question! And it’s one this article will help you answer. Here, you will learn about how each type of treatment works, where they are best suited to use, and the kind of outcomes they can achieve for you.
By having this knowledge, you will know exactly what to expect during the treatment process, and you will feel confident knowing that the treatment your pest controller does recommend is right for you.
First, let’s start with one of the most popular and effective termite treatments…
Chemical Soil Treatment
A chemical termite barrier involves applying a liquid chemical to the soil, typically around the perimeter around the building’s foundation and/or under the concrete flooring.
There are many types of chemical termite barriers. Some formulas are designed to kill the termites instantly (non-repellent) while other formulas are designed to deter the termites (repellent).
The main advantage of a repellent chemical termite barrier is the instant results. Once applied, the termites will detect the presence of the chemical barrier and avoid the treated area. Another advantage is they can provide years of relief and do not need to be refilled often, which will save you money on follow-up appointments.
Non-repellent chemical termite barriers work a bit differently. Instead of acting as a deterrent, the termites cannot detect the presence of the barrier, which means they unknowingly pass through the barrier and become infected by the discreet liquid termiticide. Eventually the infected termites will return to the nest and kill off the Queen and the remaining colony.
Since a non-repellent barrier is harder to detect, the chances of a termite walking through an untreated area – without also passing through a treated area – is very low, more likely to achieve results.
For these reasons, a non-repellent barrier is a bit more expensive than a repellent one.
Termite Monitoring and Baiting
Termite baiting is a safe, eco-friendly, discreet, and effective way to protect your home or business from termites for the long term. This is because termite baiting stations are designed to take advantage of a termites’ foraging and feeding behaviour and use it against them.
Termite baiting stations are made up of a cellulose material, which is very appetising to termites (more so than natural wood), and the enticing scent is designed to attract the termites and encourage them to feed on the cellulose.
The catch? The cellulose contains a slow acting insecticide. So, once the termites feast on the insecticide, they eventually return to the nest and kill off the Queen and the remaining colony.
There are two types of termite baiting stations: above-ground and in-ground baiting stations.
Above-ground baiting stations
Above-ground baiting stations are typically used when evidence of live termite activity has been found.
The above-ground station is placed in the area where termite activity has been found, which is often directly on the timber where the termites are feeding. Worker termites then consume the bait and return to the nest to kill off the remaining colony.
In-ground baiting stations
In-ground baiting stations primarily serve as a preventative measure. They can either be used as a standalone form of prevention, or along with a chemical termite barrier to provide enhanced protection. In-ground baiting stations are typically placed in the soil around the perimeter of the foundation, which helps form a ‘protective bubble’ around the property.
Depending on the layout of your property, your pest controller may need to drill a small hole into the concrete or another surface. Of course, every effort will be made to avoid doing this, and they will only do so with your permission.
Regardless of the baiting station you use, the station must be regularly checked to see if the termites are taking the bait and, if so, the station will need to be refilled until the infestation is completely gone.
Reticulation System
A reticulation system is like an advanced form of a chemical barrier, but it provides a higher level of protection and lasts for longer.
By utilising a network of underground pipes, which are installed either in the soil or under a pathway and surround the whole perimeter of the foundation, a chemical foaming application is pumped through the pipes and then slowly releases through evenly spaced holes in the pipes.
When installed correctly, the reticulation system establishes a treated area that provides long term protection from termites. In fact, the average reticulation system can last for up to 8 years without the need to be refilled. While the upfront cost of installation is higher than other termite treatments, you do save money on follow-up appointments.
Best of all? A reticulation system can be installed during the process of building a new home, or for existing buildings that are in high-risk areas.
At All Bugs, we utilise all of these treatments to provide safe, effective, and lasting relief from termites for homes and businesses.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we have a clear understanding of how each treatment works, where to use them, and how to provide ongoing support to ensure the treatment achieves the best possible outcome.
To book an appointment with All Bugs today, simply call (07) 3324 0111 or fill out the online form. One of our friendly staff will be happy to discuss your pest control needs and give you an honest price estimate.
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