Environmentally Friendly Termite Treatment

Historical Use of Termiticides

• Pest control operators have historically applied termite treatment chemicals for both immediate relief from infestations and as a deterrent to future invasions. Conscientious use of termiticides in both of these scenarios following regulated application techniques still creates the potential for toxic residue to make its way into the ecosystem, especially when these chemicals are applied on a regular basis as a contractual obligation to protect property.

Integrated Pest Management

• The effort to develop environmentally friendly termite treatment options resulted in the theory of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This is actually an age-old approach to pest control that was employed thousands of years ago by ancient cultures (particularly the Chinese). These cultures studied climate cycles, insect migration and mating habits, and other environmental factors to develop strategies for controlling invasions of destructive pests that attacked crops and orchards.

Baiting

• One of the more recent approaches to environmentally friendly termite treatment is the use of baits. This involves the use of small pieces of wood or other cellulose material (the element in wood and paper items that termites feed on) infused with a slow-acting termiticide. The theory is that termites ingest the poison and share it with other members of the colony through mutual grooming or sharing of digested food (trophallaxis).

Non-Toxic Termite Treatment

• Biological control has been studied extensively as part of the search for environmentally friendly termite treatment methods. The use of microscopic worms known as nematodes has had a degree of success in field studies. These organisms, which normally feed on vegetation and roots, are able to invade the bodies of termites through the pores and deliver lethal bacteria. Derivatives of the mineral boron, such as boric acid and borates, are used in baits and in topical applications on wood surfaces, with a satisfactory rate of success in commercial pest control operations.

Mechanical Treatment

• Heat, cold and electricity are now used as an alternative to chemical termite treatment. Structural wood heated to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or more kills termites by disrupting their internal biological processes. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze individual wood members as a spot treatment. Electrocution also has a lethal effect, consisting of high voltage and low current charges applied to suspected infestations. Microwave treatments are also used to treat larger areas of structures.