Termites can cause billions of dollars worth of damages in the US each year. They’ve affected humans since ancient times, and their voracious appetite for wood continues to this day.
While natural treatments may be applicable in some cases, chemicals are often necessary to completely eliminate these pests. So, what chemical is used for termite treatment?
The most common active ingredient in termite treatments is fipronil, which is commonly found in major termite baits and liquid termiticides.
Fipronil works by disrupting the termite’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death. Other chemicals may also include permethrin, bifenthrin, and cyfluthrin, which work in a similar manner.
When used correctly, these chemicals can be highly effective in getting rid of termites fast. However, it’s important to note that improper application can lead to health risks for humans and pets, so it’s always best to consult with a professional before beginning any treatment.
Signs You May Have Termite Infestation
If you live in an area where termites are common, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of an infestation.
Otherwise, you could end up with serious damage to your home before you even realize there’s a problem. Here are some things to watch for:
Presence of Wings in the Area
One of the most obvious signs of termite activity is the presence of wings.
Termites shed their wings when they’re ready to mate, so if you find wings in or around your home, it’s a good indication that there’s a nest nearby.
These wings are usually pale in color and are about the same size as a termite’s body.
Mud Tubes on Your Foundation
Another sign of termites is mud tubes, which are small tunnels that termites build to travel between their nest and food source.
These tubes are made out of dirt and saliva, and they’re usually about the width of a pencil. You can usually find them on your foundation or in other areas where termites have access to wood.
These sawdust-like materials are actually termite droppings, which can be another sign of an infestation.
Hollowed-Out Wood
If you tap on wood and it sounds hollow, that’s another sign that termites may be present.
Termites eat wood from the inside out, so if you have hollowed-out wood in your home, it’s a good indication that termites have been there.
Chemicals for Termite Treatment
Chemicals are an important part of most termite treatment plans. There are a variety of chemicals that can be used, and the type that is best for your situation will depend on the severity of the infestation and the type of termites that are present.
These treatment plans may include using fumigants, liquid insecticides, and baits. Liquid insecticides are applied directly to the soil around your home’s foundation, and they work by killing termites that come into contact with the chemical.
Baits, on the other hand, are placed near termite activities, and they work by attracting termites to the bait station, where they feed on the insecticide.
Lastly, fumigants are released into the air, and they work by killing all termites in the affected area.
The most important thing to remember when using chemicals for termite treatment is to always follow the instructions on the label.
Improper application can lead to health risks for humans and pets, and it is never recommended to use more than the recommended amount.
This is something that you can’t DIY if you don’t have the necessary knowledge; thus, finding qualified professionals to do the job for you is still the best course of action.
However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to know the type of chemicals that will be used for exterminating these pests.
While these treatment plans use different methods, they contain similar ingredients that are helpful in getting rid of termites. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Bifenthrin
When it comes to protecting your home from termites, bifenthrin is one of the most effective chemicals you can use.
Also known as Talstar, this insecticide is designed specifically to target and kill termites. While other pesticides may only repel insects or damage their nervous system, bifenthrin actually attacks the termites’ central nervous system, killing them quickly and effectively.
Bifenthrin is highly persistent in the environment and is readily absorbed by plants and animals.
It is especially toxic to bees and other pollinating insects, and it has been linked to declines in bee populations around the world. Bifenthrin is also harmful to fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Cyfluthrin
This powerful chemical acts as a neurotoxin, causing paralysis and death in insects. It’s also highly effective against various other pests, including ants, cockroaches, and silverfish.
In addition to being an effective insecticide, cyfluthrin is also relatively long-lasting. Once applied, it can continue to kill insects for up to three months.
Cyfluthrin is a type of synthetic pyrethroid, which are man-made chemicals similar to naturally occurring pyrethrins.
Pyrethrins are found in the flower heads of certain plants, and they have insecticidal properties. This is used as an active ingredient in many termite baits and pesticides.
It works by causing paralysis and death in insects when ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Cyfluthrin is considered to be moderately toxic to humans, and it can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if inhaled. However, it is safe for both people and pets when used as directed.
Sulfuryl Fluoride
Sulfuryl fluoride is a widely used termite treatment chemical. It’s applied as gas and penetrates deeply into voids and cracks where termites’ nests are located.
Once sulfuryl fluoride enters the nest, it quickly diffuses throughout, killing both flying and crawling termites. It works by replacing the oxygen in the pest’s bloodstream with fluorine, which kills them.
This chemical also effectively controls other pests, such as ants and cockroaches.
It’s important to note that sulfuryl fluoride does not repel termites, so it’s possible for new colonies to move in after treatment. However, because sulfuryl fluoride protects the wood around the nest, it can help to prevent future infestations.
This is a dangerous chemical and should only be used by trained professionals.
There are a variety of chemicals that can be used for termite treatment, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
When choosing a chemical for your home, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your property and the level of infestation.
When dealing with toxic chemicals around your home, seeking professional help is always the best solution to make sure the job is done right.
Fipronil
Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that was first registered for use in the United States in 1996. It is now one of the most widely used termite treatment products on the market.
Fipronil works by disrupting the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.
When used for termite control, fipronil is typically applied as a liquid to the soil around the perimeter of a home or other structures.
It then travels through the soil and possibly into the wood of the structure, where it can kill termites that come into contact with it.
Fipronil is considered to be very effective against both dry wood and subterranean termites and has relatively low toxicity to humans and animals. However, it is considered very toxic to bees, so it should not be used near areas where they are present.
Final Thoughts
Fipronil, Sulfuryl Fluoride, Cyfluthrin, and Bifenthrin are all effective chemicals that can be used for termite treatment.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one for your specific needs is important. Most of these chemicals may cause a toxic reaction in humans when inhaled, thus, only trained professionals should apply these chemicals.
If you’re not sure which chemical is suitable for your home, it’s always best to consult with a pest control specialist.
