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Treating & Preventing Termite Infestations

- Use soil treatment and baits -

Summary: Most termite control should be done by a pest control company that has access to materials and experience beyond the average homeowner. Some bait kits are available, however.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Soil treatments for termites

Subterranean termites start nests in the soil then extend the colony into structures where damage occurs. Because the "root" of the colony is always in the soil, termite treatments usually involve applying insecticide to the soil.

In the past, highly toxic and persistent insecticides, like chlordane and heptachlor, were applied to the soil during construction. These "pre-construction" treatments create a toxic barrier that prevent termites in the soil from moving into the structure.

Lower toxicity materials like bifenthrin (Talstar, Biflex), fipronil (Termidor Insecticide), imadocloprid (Premise), permethrin (Dragnet) and cypermethrin (Prevail, Demon) are now used for pre-construction treatments.

house foundation drawing

Subterranean termite entry points. Original drawing from Wood-Inhabiting Insects in Houses by Harry B. Moore, 1979. USDA, Forest Service and HUD. Click the image for an enlarged view of termite entry points.

 

Soil treatments can also be applied after construction ("post-construction") by injecting insecticide into the soil or by trenching. Both pre- and post-construction treatments should be performed by a pest control firm because they require special equipment and experience. See our suggestions for selecting pest control services.

Bait stations are placed at or below ground level where foraging termites find them, feed on the bait and take the poison back to the colony. Poison baits are made of a cellulose material that has been laced with an insect growth regulator or poison. Worker termites find the bait and carry it back to the colony where it is fed to nestmates, larvae and the queen.

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Other termite species

There are numerous species of "subterranean" termites that differ by region. You should consult with local experts to find out the best way to protect structures in your area. However, in general, structures should be protected from subterranean termites by a combination of soil treatment (pre- or post-construction) and baiting. In areas with Formosan subterranean termites (Gulf Coast, US, Hawaii, northern Australia, etc.) you should be especially diligent because of this termite's potential for rapid and extensive damage.

Drywood termites occur mostly in arid and coastal regions (for example most of California in the US) where they to can do siginificant damage. This termite may built colonies above ground, entirely concealed in the structure and unlike their subterranean cousins, they do not need contact with soil. Often, damage to cabinets and furniture can be more significant than damage to structural timbers.

Dampwood termites also nest above ground but require wood that is continuously wet. Generally when the affected wood is made dry, such as by repair of a collapsed foundation, the termites disappear. However, structures in especially damp climates may be attacked directly.

Termites: Biology and Pest Management (1998) by M. J. Pearce.

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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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