Termite Control Local Treatment vs Fumigation
There are basically two types of treatments for termite infestations. You can either do whole-house eradication or local treatment. See Treatment Types.
Whole-House Termite Treatments
Whole-house termite treatments rid the structure of all dry wood termites anywhere they might be lurking. This type of treatment is appropriate for large infestations.
In California, there are only two treatment types that are considered whole-house eradication: whole-house heat treatment, and fumigation (aka tenting). When performed correctly, both of these treatment procedures reach every corner of a building.
That means that all termites are eradicated, even those that are otherwise inaccessible for inspection or treatment (Read this article: How Does Fumigation Work?).
There are basically two types of treatments for termite infestations. You can either do whole-house eradication or local treatment. See Treatment Types.
Whole-House Termite Treatments
Whole-house termite treatments rid the structure of all dry wood termites anywhere they might be lurking. This type of treatment is appropriate for large infestations.
In California, there are only two treatment types that are considered whole-house eradication: whole-house heat treatment, and fumigation (aka tenting). When performed correctly, both of these treatment procedures reach every corner of a building.
That means that all termites are eradicated, even those that are otherwise inaccessible for inspection or treatment (Read this article: How Does Fumigation Work?).
Local Termite Treatment:
Local treatments refer to the application of termite control products to a specific area or areas. Several products are used for local termite treatment but they are not equal. Local treatment products and methods vary widely in efficacy, toxicity, and cost.
It’s also important to remember that products that are easily marketed and sold are not always quality termite control products.
Most reputable termite control companies use local termite control products that are based on proven research such as Termidor®, Talstar®, and Altriset®.
At the same time, you can find companies that promise they can lure your termites away, expel them with fragrances, cook them using microwaves (not to be confused with heat treatment), or other similarly kitschy products that come with whimsical promises.
Local Treatment vs Fumigation
It is important to note that no local termite treatment product, no matter how effective, can achieve whole-house eradication. Even local termite treatment products that are proven to achieve full elimination of the termite colonies they are applied to, cannot be sold or marketed as alternatives to fumigation.
The Department of Pesticide Regulation and The Structural Pest Control Board of California publish information to protect consumers from false, misleading, and unethical marketing. Many companies use sales practices that swindle or cause harm to homeowners through misinformation.
When answering the question, “Are there alternatives to fumigation” the Department of Pesticide Regulation responded with, “Other methods such as electro gun, microwave, and freezing with liquid nitrogen are local or spot treatments designed to eradicate termites in a specific area. However, they are not intended for whole house eradication and therefore are NOT alternatives to fumigation.”
Note: It is not just the products listed by the Department of Pesticide Regulation. NO local termite treatment product is an alternative to fumigation.
Which termite treatment is right for you?
The fact remains, no matter how good the local termite control product, it is unrealistic to believe that a termite control applicator can reach every square inch of wood in a home.
For homes that are fully built out, there is a large amount of lumber that is inaccessible and beyond the ability to be seen, inspected, and treated correctly using local treatments.
In short, fumigation, like whole-house heat treatment, is a catchall, whole-house termite eradication treatment guaranteed to rid your home of all dry wood termites.
The right local termite control treatment products can achieve control and even eradication when applied directly to live termite colonies but are bound to the limits of visibility and accessibility.
When choosing the best termite control treatment and products for you, it is essential to consider the extent of the termite infestation(s) present in your home, and your desired result.
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