Termites have a bad reputation for good reason. These pests can invade your home, causing extensive damage over time.
If you suspect you might have a termite problem, it’s important to take action right away. One proven way to get rid of termites is through heat treatment.
But there’s more to this process than just turning up the heat. Its effectiveness is one of the primary advantages and reasons why people opt for this method. But there are also some disadvantages to keep in mind before making your decision, such as its overall cost.
Termite Heat Treatment Process Explained
Termites feast on wood, and their insatiable appetite can quickly lead to severe damage in your home or office. Termite heat treatment is considered one of the most effective ways to get rid of termites.
The process is relatively simple: the affected area is heated at high temperatures, typically between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
This temperature is high enough to kill termites and their eggs. Depending on the method used, this process may use certain chemicals to help the heat better penetrate wood surfaces and kill termites hiding inside.
Petrol and other flammable liquids are also used in some cases to help create the necessary heat. After the treatment is complete, the area is cooled down and inspected for any remaining termites.
This process is usually done in a day. If necessary, a follow-up treatment may be scheduled.
Heat Treatment Preparation: Why is it Important for You to be Prepared?
As with any other pest control treatment, there are certain things you need to do to prepare for termite heat treatment. Early preparation ensures the treatment is done correctly and minimizes the risk of any accidents.
Some of the things you need to do include:
Vacate the Area
You and your family need to leave the premises during the treatment. Thi sis for your safety and the safety of those carrying out the procedure. Make arrangements to stay elsewhere for a day or two, just to be on the safe side.
Prepare Your Pets
If you have pets, you’ll need to make arrangements for them to stay elsewhere during the treatment as well. The chemicals and high temperatures used in the process can be harmful to animals.
Cover or Remove Valuables
Any items of value should be removed from the area to be treated. This includes things like paintings, vases, and other fragile items. If you can’t remove them, make sure they’re well-covered to protect them from the heat.
Clear the Area
Any items in the area should be moved away from walls and windows. This will give technicians easy access to carry out the treatment. It will also help to prevent any damage to your belongings.
Turn Off Air Conditioning and Fans
You should turn off any air conditioning or fans in the area to be treated. These can interfere with the process and may cause problems.
Cover Fish Tanks
If you have fish tanks, it’s important to cover them during the treatment. The high temperatures can be harmful to fish.
Advantages of Termite Heat Treatment
The method has been gaining in popularity because it is considered safe, effective, and environmentally friendly. These destructive pests are difficult to get rid of, especially when the infestation has already spread throughout your home. Let’s take a look at some of these advantages:
Termite Heat Treatment is Safe
One advantage of termite heat treatment is that it is safe. Termite heat treatment uses high temperatures to kill termites. The temperature is above the boiling point of water, so it instantly vaporizes the termites’ bodies without using any harmful chemicals.
This makes it an excellent choice for people concerned about the safety of their family and pets. In addition, termite heat treatment is effective at killing all stages of termites, including eggs, ensuring that the problem is completely eliminated.
Termite Heat Treatment is Effective
Another advantage of termite heat treatment is that it is effective. This method has been proven to be successful in eliminating termites from infested areas. It can also reach places that are difficult to access with other methods, such as inside walls and crawlspaces.
Termite Heat Treatment is Environmentally Friendly
A final advantage of termite heat treatment is that it is environmentally friendly. This method does not use any harmful chemicals, so there is no risk of contamination. In addition, the high temperatures used in the treatment process help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Disadvantages of Termite Heat Treatment
Despite its many advantages, there are some disadvantages to termite heat treatment. Here are some of the cons:
Relatively Expensive
Compared to other termite treatment types, heat treatment is relatively expensive. This is because it requires special equipment and training to carry out the procedure. In addition, it takes longer to carry out than other methods, such as fumigation.
Disruptive to Daily Life
Termite heat treatment can be disruptive to your daily life. You and your family need to vacate the premises during the procedure, and you may need to make arrangements for your pets as well. There are also some preparations that need to be made before the treatment, such as covering or removing valuables.
May Not Be Suitable for All Homes
Termite heat treatment may not be suitable for all homes. This is because the high temperatures used in the process can damage some materials, such as plastics and electronics. In addition, the treatment may not be effective in very humid conditions.
May not Be Effective on All Termite Types
Termite heat treatment may not be effective on all termite types. This is because some termites, such as drywood termites, are more resistant to high temperatures. These termite varieties typically live in drier conditions and are not as common in humid climates, thus making them more challenging to eliminate.
Final Thoughts
Weighing the pros and cons of termite heat treatment is vital to help you decide if this method is right for you.
If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly way to get rid of these destructive pests, then termite heat treatment may be the best option for you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this method is relatively expensive and can be disruptive to your daily life. At the end of the day, the decision is up to you.
