We have seen a substantial increase in drywood termite infestations in the Sacramento Valley over the last few years.
Subterranean termites are still the most common but the drywoods are increasing.
Historically, whole house fumigation was the recommended treatment for drywoods, but Termidor has changed that.
We now perform more local treatments than fumigations.
A local treatment is about half the cost of a fumigation and does not require the occupants to vacate the structure.
We carefully drill small holes in the sheetrock and into the infested wall studs. We then inject Termidor Foam into the holes. We then seal all the holes and any nearby cracks or other openings with painters caulking.
The pesticides are sealed inside the walls. The occupants never come in contact with them.
But – whenever the termites inside the structure come in contact with the Termidor, they get it on their bodies and transfer it to the other termites in their colony.
Local treatments are especially good in apartments, offices and other multi-unit buildings because we only treat the infested area without disturbing the other tenants.
Fumigation Alternatives
You have seen the tarps draped over the exterior of buildings to fumigate for drywood termites or wood boring beetles. The structure is then filled a poisonous pesticide gas, Vikane, that kills every living thing within the structure. After a few days, the tarps are removed and the gas is replaced with fresh air.
Fumigation is an expensive and complicated process.
1. The occupants must leave for 3 to 5 days.
2. Most food must be removed to avoid contamination.
3. Roofs can be damaged by workers installing and removing tarps.
4. Plants close to the structure can be killed.
5. Fences and tree branches near the house must be removed.
The cost to fumigate the average suburban house averages $3,000 to $5,000.
There is no residual pesticide so other termite colonies in the neighborhood can re-infest the structure in the future.
Your Alternatives
1. Cut out the infested wood and haul if away. This works if the infestation is in a small area like a screened porch or deck.
2. Local treatment with Termidor - about half the cost of fumigation. Works in most situations. None of the above fumigation problems.
3. Subarea treatment with a combination of Timbor and Termidor. Works most in situations.
Every infestation and every structure is different. We offer a free consultation with one of our state licensed inspectors to determine what works best for you.
