Options for termite removal
#1
09-10-21, 02:48 AM
Options for termite removal
Is fumigation the only way to get rid of termites? I live in a two story home. I really don't want anyone to come in my house right now nor do I want to stay at some motel during fumigation like 12 years ago.
Are there other options?
My neighbors are doing it this weekend. And yes, I have seen some signs outside but none inside the garage.
Are there other options?
My neighbors are doing it this weekend. And yes, I have seen some signs outside but none inside the garage.
#2
09-10-21, 04:19 AM
Group Moderator
In some parts of the country tenting the house and fumigating is the best method. In other areas it's more often done with ground treatments and the work can be done outside, and in the crawlspace or basement.
WRDIY
voted this post useful.
#3
09-10-21, 05:05 AM
Proper ID comes first. If subterranean termites, then fumigation won't work. Probably drywood termites in your area, too, since fumigation is a common method.
For exposed, unfinished wood, there are surface spraying treatments that target drywood termites. Bora-Care, Tim-Bor, and other generics are used for treating exposed, unfinished wood only. That's the limitation. Hopefully you'll be lucky and have such an exposed infestation in the garage or other unfinished areas. These treatments leave a residual in and on the wood for decades. Essentially, they are elemental boron (boric acid) mixed with glycols and others which enable the active ingredient to penetrate the wood to varying degrees. This treatment can be used preventatively. We don't have drywood termites here in the east, so my experience is limited to what I've learned from seminars and fellow operators with such experience. Tenting/fumigation is performed in some situations for wood-destroying beetles that infest houses, but it's not a common treatment.
For exposed, unfinished wood, there are surface spraying treatments that target drywood termites. Bora-Care, Tim-Bor, and other generics are used for treating exposed, unfinished wood only. That's the limitation. Hopefully you'll be lucky and have such an exposed infestation in the garage or other unfinished areas. These treatments leave a residual in and on the wood for decades. Essentially, they are elemental boron (boric acid) mixed with glycols and others which enable the active ingredient to penetrate the wood to varying degrees. This treatment can be used preventatively. We don't have drywood termites here in the east, so my experience is limited to what I've learned from seminars and fellow operators with such experience. Tenting/fumigation is performed in some situations for wood-destroying beetles that infest houses, but it's not a common treatment.
WRDIY
voted this post useful.
#4
09-10-21, 10:33 AM
PABugman, are Bora-Care, Tim-Bor hazardous such as cancer for long-term effect? I built a gym in the garage and would it be harmful to breath it in? Thanks
#5
09-10-21, 08:46 PM
No, they are approved for use on exposed wood. I treated our basement studs before closing them in and treated garage studs and they are still exposed. You should be able to find a label and safety data sheet on line which will offer information on the topic as well.
WRDIY
voted this post useful.
