Termite Inspection Orange County Termite Terry Pest Control

Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, South Orange County, Long Beach Area

Are Fumigations Always Necessary For Drywood Termites?

    Drywood termites are a tremendous problem for most homeowners in Orange County and we are frequently asked if fumigations are always necessary. In this article, we’d like to cover the basics so that the next time you have a problem with drywood termites, you’ll know exactly what to look for and then, you can make the best decision for yourself.

    One of the best sources for information about this subject is California’s Structural Pest Control Board. They tell us in their literature that not all homes with drywood termites need to be fumigated. If an infestation is contained in a small area(s), the drywood termites may be eliminated by local applications. If treatments other than fumigation are recommended, you should be aware that localized treatments will not provide eradication of other hidden infestations in the building.

Local or spot treatments include the use of pesticides, electric current, extreme cold, localized heat or microwave energy. These methods are intended for a specific targeted area only, leaving open the possibility of other undetected infestations within the structure. These treatments are not designed for whole-house eradication. They also tell us that any pest control company that claims “whole-house results” with local or spot control methods is guilty of false advertising and should be reported.

The Structural Pest Control Board tells us that there are currently two methods for total or whole-house eradication of drywood termites – fumigation and heat. Fumigation is where the house is enclosed in a tent. For the heat method, the house is also enclosed in a tent. But, instead of using a lethal gas, the house is heated until the inside temperature reaches 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Please note that this procedure may not be practical for structures that cannot be heated evenly.

A Basic Rule Of Thumb

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is your home more than ten years old?
  • Does your home have more than just a few spots of drywood termites?
  • Do you have any record of the home being fumigated recently?
  • Do you have drywood termite infestations that are extending into inaccessible areas of the structure?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is probably time to fumigate your home or do a whole-house heat treatment.

                        Hot Tips For Local Drywood Treatments

     If all your home needs is a localized treatment, we strongly recommend that you use Termidor and have it injected, under pressure, directly into the termite galleries. University studies have shown impressive results using this product because it is non-repellant, slow acting and

has long residual properties. Best of all, it also offers a “transfer effect”. In other words, any termite that is exposed to this product is likely to take it back to the nest and share it with other members of the colony. That is why this product has the ability to eliminate an entire colony of termites!

     We also recommend using Timbor dust whenever possible because it offers protection against future attacks by drywood termites. Recent studies have shown that this product works much better when used in a dust form. Timbor did not work nearly as well when it was mixed with water.

Hot Tips For Fumigations

    The one tip that you should never forget is that, you must have your home measured accurately so that the proper dosage of Vikane gas is applied. Please be aware that many termite guys do not measure houses accurately, many guess badly and many use far less gas than what is needed. If they don’t use enough gas, your fumigation will fail!

    Another huge tip to remember is that your fumigator has to use good fumigation tarps and seal them up carefully. If your fumigator uses tarps that have holes or rips and they don’t seal it up properly, all of the gas will disappear quickly and your fumigation will fail!

    At “Termite” Terry Pest Control, we always put your home’s measurements in writing so that you’ll know exactly what is needed. We also use the best tarps and seal them up tight. That is why we are the only company in Orange County offering a Two Year Money Back Guarantee on fumigations. If we make a mistake and you find a colony of live drywood termites in your home after we have done a fumigation, we will comeback and re-fumigate it at no charge and we will also refund your entire investment!

    Have drywood termites and need an inspection? Call us at (949) 631-7348 or use our online order form and we’ll be happy to schedule an inspection for you at your convenience.