Termites have always been a problem for homeowners, especially in states like California. The sight of a house being tented while it is filled with chemicals to eliminate the termites that have gotten into it is a common one. In fact, fumigation is the oldest form of termite control and has been in use for generations. Over time, the chemicals that have been used have undergone changes to meet the increasingly sophisticated health and safety concerns. They have also become more effective and today fumigation is more effective than ever before in removing termites from a home. However, fumigation may not always be a viable option and in such cases, microwave termite control provides an excellent alternative.  

 

The Fumigation Problems 

While the fumigation agents used today are extremely safe, there may be some instances where it is not advisable to use them. For example, for elderly people, moving out even for a short while might be a discomfort; a similar situation might be experienced with infants with specific health issues, pets and other conditions where fumigation may not be a practical solution. This is where technology steps in to offer several non-fumigation termite control methods. Among these options, the use of microwaves to destroy termites is increasing in popularity. 

Microwaves Kill Termites 

The principle used in microwave termite eradication is the same as that which cooks food in a microwave oven. The microwaves come into contact with the water molecules inorganic matter and this agitates the molecules and creates friction; this friction turns into intense heat. The heat cooks the food in the oven. When this heat is directed against termites, the heat causes them to cook from the inside and die.  There is no usage of chemicals so there is no need for fumigation or tenting and hence those homeowners who do not want chemicals in their homes, no matter how safe they are, are satisfied. However, microwave termite control may not be right for all infestations. 

Expert Treatment Is Essential 

Termite infestations can be broadly divided into 2 types –subterranean and dry wood. Subterranean termites travel underground and typically spread all over a structure and so targeted treatments like the use of microwaves may not be completely effective in removing the infestation. In the case of drywood termites, nests are isolated to specific pieces of wood and other cellulose materials. It is here that targeted microwaves are highly effective in getting rid of them completely. 

The type of termite treatment that is right for a home will depend on the type of termites present, the extent of the infestation and other factors. These are variables that only a termite control expert will be able to evaluate so as to find the most effective termite control solution. If you are worried about termites in your home, contact a professional termite control company that will be able to evaluate the situation, brief you on the type of infestation, inform you about the treatments available and work with you to apply the treatment that will produce the best results. Also, make sure that the company gives you a warranty on its service so that you remain protected in the future.