A Basic Guide to Using Termite Spray
If you are determined to get rid of your termite infestation yourself, then you will likely find the best results using a termite spray. There are many forms of termite spray available on the market, as well as spraying equipment. Determining how much liquid treatment is needed and what type of equipment to purchase can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with termite extermination before. Take a look at the following steps needed to rid your home of a minor termite infestation.
Choosing a termite spray…
There are plenty of termite sprays available for you to choose from. The brand of spray may not make much of a difference as far as outcomes are concerned, but it is important that you pay attention to the type of spray you are purchasing. Some sprays merely repel termites, while others actually kill the insects. The latter option is most ideal, as it lessens the likelihood of the termites returning. A popular brand of termite spray is Termidor. This spray effectively kills the termites using a chemical called fipronil, which is much safer for the environment than most other termite sprays. Also, where other liquid termiticides require gallons in order to be truly effective, Termidor only requires ounces. Although this brand is a bit more expensive than other treatments, it is definitely the highest rated liquid termite spray around.
Choosing your equipment…
There are literally tons of different spray systems out there. The termite spray that you purchase will usually have a suggested method of application, but many use a pump sprayer. A pump sprayer can cost anywhere from $50 - $300, which is why it definitely pays to shop around. Consider the area that you need to cover and how much “power” you need behind your termite spray. Extermination professionals use 100-gallon sprayers, but you may not require such a large sprayer. Be prepared to use up to 100 – 200 gallons of diluted termiticide to treat the infested area as well as create a barrier around your home. If you buy a smaller pump sprayer, then you may have to do several refills throughout the treatment.
Spraying for termites…
First and foremost, it is imperative that you remove all family members and pets from the area before you begin the treatment. Termiticide is not only deadly to termites, but it can be toxic to humans and other pets as well. You should also take measures to protect your skin, lungs, and eyes from the chemicals. To do this, wear long-sleeved clothing to cover as much skin as possible. Use goggles to protect your eyes and a mask to cover your nose and mouth. You may feel a bit over-dressed for the occasion, but you definitely don’t want the chemicals in termite spray to irritate your skin or eyes, and you definitely don’t want to inhale the deadly spray!
Make sure to dilute the spray as directed by the instructions. Spray the affected areas of the house or yard carefully. Make sure to reach all crevices and try to keep the spray as continuous as possible, especially when creating a barrier around the home to prevent the escape and re-entry of the termites. Even a minor break in the spray could result in a doorway for the termites to re-enter your home. This barrier will also kill any termites that are trying to flee your home.
When to call an exterminator…
It is important to understand that termite extermination is not exactly a simple process. It is only recommended that you attempt a “do it yourself” extermination if the termite colony is very small or in an easy-to-reach place. In fact, large infestations can be quite difficult to manage, even for a professional. If you believe that you have a large-scale infestation or if the colony is located in an area that you cannot reach on your own, the best course of action would be to simply hire a professional to take on the task. There is a reason that people specialize in termite extermination, and that is because termites can be extremely prolific and devilishly hard to track down. Knowing when to call an exterminator will save you a great deal of time and frustration.