Why Not “Do-It-Yourself”?

Insecticides and baiting systems for termite control are widely available at home improvement centers. This has many homeowners wondering if they should attempt to take care of termite control themselves. Controlling termites does not mean simply spraying swarmers or the surfaces of infested wood. Generally, information provided by cooperative extension services across the country recommends having a professional pest control service take care of controlling termites. Here are several reasons they give:

1. In order to establish a chemical barrier around a home, the soil must be trenched on both sides of the foundation and piers. You can’t simply spray the soil surface. Depending on the depth of your foundation footer, these trenches must be four to six inches wide and six inches deep.
2. A substantial volume of chemical is required for the job. For example, a single-story house that is 1200 square foot (40' x 30') requires approximately 112 gallons of diluted (1%) termiticide just to treat the soil along the foundation walls (inside and out). The total amount of chemical needed depends upon the type of construction, but could exceed 150 gallons. Few homeowners have the equipment to deliver this quantity of chemical efficiently and safely.
3. Extensive drilling of holes must be done in order to treat slabs or the voids in foundation and piers. Insecticide is then pressure injected through these holes. This part of the treatment requires specialized equipment and training to avoid injuries or damage to underground utility lines or to masonry. This part of the treatment may seem optional, but an incomplete treatment may not solve the problem and could leave your house vulnerable to future termite attack.
4. The cost of the chemical is higher for over-the-counter products. Estimates by Ohio State University show that a commonly-used termiticide treatment done according to label directions, and using a 1% spray of a commonly available consumer version of that chemical, would cost about two and a half times more than the cost of that chemical for a licensed pest control operator.
5. Termite bait systems require that the applicator know termite biology and behavior to apply the baits correctly. They also demand diligent monitoring. Some baiting systems are advertised to be used alone in termite control; others are used with liquid termiticides. In general, baits require several trips to the job site for installation and monitoring. Control may take from a few weeks to more than a year.
   

“Protection” against new infestations is not the same thing as “elimination” of an existing termite infestation. Careful reading of the labels on some do-it-yourself baiting systems will show that a complete, integrated program for structures with active termite problems is recommended. It will be difficult for most homeowners to know if there is an active colony already in their home. An active colony may not be affected by the baits because they have already found a food source and will not be foraging.

Some products give a nine-month guarantee. The nine month guarantee could well expire before the three month period when termite swarmers are at their height.