Liquid termite treatment is the most common recommendation from termite control experts when it comes to getting rid of subterranean termites. Subterranean termites are the most destructive species of termites, especially in California. If the infestation is left untreated, then the termites could cause extensive damage to the property and consequently to your savings.

Some Facts to Know About Subterranean Termites

• Subterranean termites are mostly found in moist environments since they require moisture to survive.
• This species of termite builds their nests underground and comes out to forage for food. 
• They create tunnel-like passages that connect their nests to the food source.
• These mud tubes are used as passageways and also serve as protection from predators like ants.
• One termite colony can house up to several thousand termites.
• The termites like to groom each other.
• Subterranean termites prefer decayed wood over sound wood.
• They eat more wood during the summer months but they can forage all year round.
• When they want to expand their colony, a group of flying termites called swarmers fly to the new place and start a new colony. After mating, they shed their wings.

Also Read: What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Termites?

Identifying a Subterranean Termite Infestation

Subterranean termites travel from their underground nests in search of food. Once they come in contact with wood, more termites reach the place following the trail. Soon, the house owner will have a serious termite infestation to handle. At first, the damage might not be noticeable, but with time, the tell-tale signs of a subterranean termite infestation will become apparent.

Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation

Homeowners should always be on the lookout for signs of a termite infestation. Scheduling regular termite inspections can help identify an infestation early.

• Spotting of swarmers or discarded wings.
• Hollow sounds when you knock on wood.
• Mud tubes near the foundation or walls.
• Hard to open windows and doors.
• Light knocking sounds from the wood.

If you notice any of these signs, then do not wait for a scheduled termite inspection but contact the termite control company immediately and ask them to send a termite inspector who can help you identify and treat the subterranean termite infestation in the early stages.

Also Read: Are Annual Termite Inspections Necessary? How Many Years Do Termite Treatments Last?

Why Employ Liquid Termite Treatment?

When it comes to a subterranean termite infestation, the termite exterminator will usually suggest getting rid of the termites inside the house through a spot treatment and then pairing it with a liquid termite treatment.

The main ingredient of the liquid termite treatment is the termiticide which is poisonous for termites. First, to get rid of the termites inside the house, the termite exterminator will drill holes in the places where termites are suspected to be and will insert the termiticide solution into these holes. The solution kills the termites inside the house.

But one major problem with subterranean termites is finding their nest. Hence, even if you kill the termites inside the house with spot treatment, there are thousands more in the nest that can continue to damage the property. Liquid termite treatment is employed to prevent this from happening.

How Does Liquid Termite Treatment Work?

Liquid termite treatments involve digging a trench around the perimeter of the foundation of the property. The termiticide solution is put deep in the trench and mixed with the soil that is used to fill the trench. The product, with time, permeates the soil further creating a complete barrier around the property.

The subterranean termites in their search for food will have to pass the barrier before entering the property. The termites coming in contact with the termiticide-mixed soil are poisoned and hence do not enter the property further.

Some termiticides used are slow-acting and thus the termites do not die immediately. The termites that come in contact with the barrier carry the poison with them and then pass it on to other termites in the colony during their grooming session. This way the property is protected from the termite colony.

The termite barrier is only effective till the termiticide in the trench wears off. You will need to refill the termiticides every few years for continued protection. The termite barrier is usually said to last up to 5 years.

HiTech Termite Control

If you have spotted any signs of termites on your property, worry not! Give us a call or contact us through our website here and we will take care of the problem for you.