Choosing the proper termite treatment for your home is an important decision. Homeowners should be aware of all the options available to them. Each year thousands of large-scale and small-scale fumigations occur to deal with numerous forms of pest infestation. In the case of a drywood termite infestation, the treatment choices are between traditional tent fumigation solutions and non-tent solutions.

Fumigation

In certain instances, infestation can be so severe that tent fumigation is the only option. Infestations that become widespread, particularly in inaccessible areas, are what make tent fumigation an attractive option. Once settled into a home, termites are able to live in areas we can’t readily see like beams, walls, or perhaps underneath floorboards. When a structure is fumigated, the gas reaches every area and deeply penetrates its wood structures where termites live and feed. The fumigant used is a true gas (meaning its lighter than air) once the home is completely aerated it leaves behind no residue whatsoever.

Homeowners

should equally be aware of the drawbacks:

• Neither convenient (must vacate property for 72 hours), nor inexpensive
• The house must be prepared properly: total removal of all occupants, pets, plants, medicine, food, open containers, and cosmetics. Gas service must be disconnected and pilot lights must be extinguished.
• Fumigants do not provide protection from future infestation; they only treat for existing termites
• The heavy tarps used to hold fumigants in can easily damage gutters, tile roofing, and shrubbery

Non-Fumigation Solutions

There are several alternatives to fumigation; however, the two most predominant methods outside of termite tenting are heat and liquid pesticide treatment. Similar to fumigation, each alternative has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Heating: Heat-based treatments have proven to be effective against termite swarms. Heating requires tenting and raising the temperature of the wood throughout a home to 120-130 degrees for a minimum of 35-60 minutes.

• Effective when localized colonies can be identified
• Cause damage to heat sensitive belongings (electronics, vinyl, beauty supplies, wiring, furniture, etc)
• Energy costs can make heating expensive

Spot Treatment: Involves drilling multiple holes into infested areas of flooring and walls so that a termiticide can be injected.

• Less expensive and more convenient than heating and fuming
• Treatment provides lasting effects for protection against future swarms
• Does not affect termites in inaccessible areas (spot treatment is roughly only 2 square feet)
• Multiple treatments may be necessary

Total Termite Protection Plan (TTP):

The treatment option provided by Truly Nolen, which differs from both spot treatment and fumigation. Application of treatment includes areas both on the interior and exterior of household.

• Covers more area of home than termite spot treatment
• Protect against both Drywood termites and Subterranean termites
• Residual effects of treatment protect against future swarms
• Preliminary inspections are offered free of charge

Think you may have a termite problem on your boat? Truly Nolen’s Total Termite Protection Plan is equally as effective on marine vessels. Call 800-GO-TRULY for a FREE inspection today.