Ten Termite FAQ's
by Barb Ogg, Ph.D., Extension Educator

Termite biology and necessary control measures are not well understood by homeowners. To shed light on this subject, here are answers to some common questions we are asked by homeowners faced with termite problems.

Q. My next-door neighbor has termites and is going to have his house treated. I've been told that the termites will attack my house next. Should my house also be treated?

A. Termites move randomly through the soil searching for a source of food (wood). They do not have the ability to know exactly where your house is. So, if your next-door neighbor treats his home for termites, your house isn't automatically the termites' next lunch. No, your house does not need to be treated; but, if there are active termite infestations in your neighborhood, it is a good idea to have it inspected.

Q. I found termites in landscape timbers (firewood and wood mulch) in my yard. Should I have my house treated?

A. Just because you have termites in your yard does not mean that you need to treat your house. In fact, it makes some sense to let the termites feed on the landscape timbers, firewood or wood mulch because they won't be searching for another source of wood. I would, however, move these sources of wood so they are not next to the house. Inspecting your house regularly for signs of termites is also a good idea.

Q. Can pest control companies always find termite infestations and damage when they do an inspection?

A. No. Termite infestations are difficult to find if the termites travel vertically through hollow blocks, between the cracks in foundations and behind finished basement walls. Pest control companies cannot be held liable for damage and infestations if they cannot gain access to infested areas. They can be held accountable, however, if they miss an obvious sign of termites.

Q. Can I do the termite treatment myself?

A. A person who wants to treat a dwelling for termites needs specialized equipment to do it correctly. This equipment is not readily available. Because of the specialized nature of termite treatments, it is not recommended that homeowners attempt treatment. They should work with a professional pest control company for this service.

Q. I've had four companies bid on treating my house for termites. The estimates range from $300 to $1500. I am very confused. How do I make a decision about termite control companies?

A. To make a determination about companies, you need to ask them to detail, in writing, how they are going to treat your house. If you do not have this information in writing, you will not be able to compare companies. In general, the more information a company will give you (in writing), the more confident you can be in the treatment and the company. Beware of companies that will quote you an estimate over the telephone without even inspecting your house or merely give you an estimate on the back of a business card. Ask the company inspector/technician if they have a current Wood Destroying Insect Certification. If so, you know that they have taken workshops and have passed a certification test.

To make an assessment of how reasonable estimates are, you should estimate how much the chemical should cost for your dwelling. Refer to "Termites Bite into Pocketbook." You will need to know:

1.The outside dimensions of your home. Draw it on graph paper.

2.The distance between ground level and basement footings.

3.The dilution rate (from the insecticide label). Request insecticide labels from the pest control companies.

4.The application rates (from the label).

5.If you have a block basement foundation.

6.The cost of the chemical. The costs for several insecticides are found on the "Termites Bite into Pocketbook" fact sheet. You can also get this information from pest control supply companies.

The estimated cost of the chemical should give you an idea of what is a reasonable estimate. In general, if a proper treatment is done, the pest control company will charge somewhat more than the cost of the chemical, depending on labor costs, equipment, insurance, overhead and profit. These labor and other costs will probably be equal or greater than the chemical cost. If bids are less than your estimate of the chemical cost, there is something wrong. Maybe you have not calculated it correctly. It is also possible that the company is using an incorrect dilution or will not apply the material all the way to the bottom of the basement footings. In any case, be suspicious of estimates like this. It does not make sense for a company to lose money on your job.

Q. What is the best chemical available for termite treatment?

A. There is not much difference between the effectiveness of termiticides (i.e., insecticides that are registered for termite control) when they are used as directed on the label. The most common reason that a chemical treatment fails is when the application results in an incomplete insecticide barrier around the structure. A few factors that can contribute to a poor treatment are when:

1.the insecticide is diluted with too much water,

2.the insecticide is not injected to the footings of the basement,

3.there is an insufficient volume of insecticide injected or,

4.the soil is frozen or saturated during injection. Treatment procedures (i.e., directions for using the insecticide) are found clearly on the insecticide label and should be followed carefully by pest control companies to ensure a proper treatment.

Q. If treatment is done correctly, how long will the insecticide barrier be effective?

A. Before chlordane was taken off the market as a termiticide in 1988, it was the most widely used product for termite control because of its long-term effectiveness. In fact, a house could be protected for 20 years or more using chlordane. The termiticides used today for termite control are much less persistent in the environment than chlordane was. With products that are registered today, you should not expect a termite treatment to protect your home for more than five years.

Q. Will putting this insecticide around my foundation hurt my family or the environment?

A. We do not know all the answers when it comes to the health effects of insecticides; however, one criteria for an insecticide to be considered during the process of being registered as a termiticide is that it must have low mammalian toxicity. With some of the insecticides, there may be an odor after the treatment that may be offensive to some individuals. Some products are more odor free than others. If you are concerned about odor, mention this to the pest control technician well before the scheduled treatment day. Chemically sensitive people may want to stay away from the home for a period of time after treatment.

Once the water carrier disperses in the soil, the effective insecticide stays attached to soil particles and will not move unless the soil does. If the soil later becomes saturated, the termiticide will not leak into the basement or leach into the groundwater. The greatest hazard is when the diluted material is being applied. At that time, diluted insecticide could contaminate a well or cistern if they are close to where the insecticide is being injected during a perimeter treatment. It is posiible for the insecticide to leak into the basement through cracks in the foundation, but this is a rare occurence.

Q. The pest control technician told me that for my own safety, I should leave the house during the time it is being treated. Is this necessary?

A. To ensure that the treatment is being done properly, the homeowner should observe the treatment process. Unless the homeowner is chemically sensitive, there should not be any adverse health problems associated with a treatment done correctly. Ask questions of the pest control technicians. Keep track of how long it takes them to do the job.

Q. The pest control company will give me a one-year warranty on the treatment. After that, I must pay $100 a year for a yearly inspection. If the termites come back, the company will cover the treatment cost. Is this a good deal?

A. The limited warranties offered by pest control companies are more like buying termite control insurance than a warranty. Whether or not it is a good deal is relative and depends on the level of risk a homeowner wants to assume. In the event of a termite reinfestation, will all costs be covered by the warran-tee? What will the homeowner have to pay? Can the yearly inspection fee be increased by the company? Be sure to read the fine print carefully and ask questions. updated on June 5, 2002

Return for more information on Termites