Our Termite Prevention Methods | Paske Pest Control

Conventional/Liquid Termiticides

Controlling subterranean termite infestation with liquid termiticides typically involves drilling multiple holes around and through your foundation areas (every 12 inches or so) and pumping liquid termiticides into the soil. Liquid termiticides generally fall into one of two categories:

• Repellent termiticides create a barrier of chemicals around the treated building to discourage termites from entering.
• Non-repellent termiticides may or may not be in liquid form and contain a chemical that the termites take back to the colony with them, killing the exposed termites and others in the colony who groom or otherwise contact them.

Using liquid termiticides to treat subterranean termites is a very labor-intensive and invasive process that damages your home and involves pumping hundreds of gallons of chemicals into the soil around your home and under your basement. Additionally:

• Liquid termiticides remain present in the soil around your house for years.
• Many pest control firms, including the largest and most well-known chains around, continue to promote the use of such dangerous termiticides as their primary treatment method.
• While some of the more toxic chemicals used in prior years have since been banned, especially in Massachusetts, the use of liquid termiticides justifiably remains a frightening thought to many homeowners.

Termite Monitor/Baiting Systems

A much more environmentally and family-friendly treatment option than termiticides, baiting targets the termites themselves.

Termite bait systems have several advantages over liquid termiticides:

• There is considerably less active ingredient put into the environment compared to the hundreds of gallons of diluted insecticide used in liquid treatments.
• There is no termiticide transfer, or runoff, into other areas. This is a major plus for homes with stone or rubble foundations or those on high water tables, rock and ledge. In situations where the infested structure is within 50 feet of a well or 100 feet of a body of water, termite baits may be the only treatment option.
• Termite baits are ideal for use around structures inhabited by persons with chemical sensitivity. Bait stations contain no chemical bait whatsoever unless and until termites are discovered. At that point, the bait - in tablet form - is housed in an underground container with a locked cap, away from pets and children.
• Unlike liquid termiticides, termite bait stations can be used for proactive subterranean termite prevention, especially for those homes with a greater likelihood of infestation.
• Baits are applied with no destruction or disruption to the house. No holes are drilled through floors or walls and furniture. Flooring and stored items do not need to be removed in order to place and maintain bait stations.
• Buildings with a history of chronic termite retreatment are logical candidates for termite baits, as are houses with construction features that make barrier treatment difficult or impossible, such as those with wells, in-floor heating ducts, perimeter drainage systems, inaccessible crawl spaces or stone foundations.
• Termite bait stations are perfect for any homeowner who wants a safer and greener alternative to preventing or eliminating subterranean termites.

Borates: In Spray or Foam

Borates are often used for the control of drywood and subterranean termites, Formosan termites, carpenter ants, and wood destroying beetles and fungi.

• Borates are often used to supplement a baiting program or for proactive termite prevention on new construction.
• Borates are not pumped into the soil. Instead, they are sprayed on unfinished wood or foamed into walls to stop termites and other insects.
• Borates should only be applied to bare wood, plywood, particle board, etc. Unfinished surfaces can be painted or stained 48 hours after treatment.
• Surfaces should at least be sealed within six months to keep the active ingredients inside the wood.
• Borates can be used during the construction phase of homes to protect the wood from later insect and fungus infestation. The best time to do this is when the house is being framed before the wallboard and floors are installed and the outside sheathing and siding are in place. Lumber can be sprayed and/or dipped on the construction site.
• After construction, unfinished crawlspaces, joists, and sills can be treated with borates. At least two and ideally all four sides of the wood should be treated.

Protect your home with one of our termite control packages!

Pest infestations can be a daunting situation, potentially causing thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Our termite treatments are pet-friendly, green, and effective.

St. Louis Termite Control

Like many Missouri and Illinois residents, you probably already know your home is in need of termite protection, but you just don't have time to deal with the issue. We understand and want to make the termite control process as hassle-free as possible. Our Termite Home Defense® and Complete Home® termite control service packages are specifically designed to put a stop to existing termite colonies and protect your home from future damage.