Termites are not to be underestimated. They may be small in size but can turn out to be a nightmare for homeowners. These silent but steady eaters can easily gnaw away at the very foundation of the structure, rendering it structurally unsafe over time. Hence, even the faintest suspicion about a possible termite infestation in your property needs immediate action.

There are various termite treatment methods available like heat treatment, fumigation, microwave treatment, soil treatment for termites, and more. Each treatment has its advantages and is recommended for particular reasons. Here, we will explore the differences between soil termite treatment and fumigation treatment.

1. Soil Treatment for Termites

Soil termite treatment involves treating the soil around the foundation of the property. The treatment should be done by professionals from trusted termite control companies. It is done in three steps.

• Digging a Trench: The termite control professionals will dig a trench around the property’s foundation. The trench is usually 6×6 inches.
• Application of Termiticides: Termiticide is applied to all the sides of the trench. The soil at the bottom of the trench is loosened for the chemical to penetrate deeper.
• Refilling the Trench: The soil is refilled into the trench. Now the trench acts as a protective barrier around your property. Termites that come in contact with the barrier die.

When Is Soil Termite Treatment Needed?

• When There Is a Subterranean Termite Infestation: Subterranean termites build their nests underground since they need moisture to survive. If your house has a severe subterranean termite infestation, you might have to consider soil treatment. 
• When You Need a Preventive Measure in Place: If you live in a termite-prone area, soil treatment can help keep the termites away from your property. 
• When You Are Building a New House: Soil treatment is a popular pre-construction termite prevention method.

Limitations of Soil Treatment

• It only protects against subterranean termites.
• If the termites are already inside your house, soil termite treatment might not fully help you.
• The chemicals used in the trench will wear out after some years. For continued protection, reapplication of the barrier is necessary.

 Also Read: Alternative Termite Extermination Methods to Termite Tenting

2. Fumigation Treatment

Fumigation treatment is considered to be the most effective way of getting rid of a drywood termite infestation on a property.

A large tent is erected around the property to be treated which is then flooded with termiticide gas. The gas penetrates every crevice of the property and kills the termites. The tent is made of quality material that does not let the gas escape.

When Is Fumigation Treatment Recommended?

• When the Drywood Infestation Is Severe: If the infestation is out of hand and cannot be treated by other methods like spot treatment or heat treatment, then fumigation might be the only way.
• When the termites have infested multiple spaces of the property.
• When other termite treatments have failed to eliminate the termites.

Limitations of Fumigation Treatment

• Though the gases used for fumigation are safe and cleared by the government, people are still apprehensive about using the method because of the harmful gases.
• The cost and time required for the process vary according to the size of the property. The bigger the property, the higher the price.
• The process might take 3-4 days and the residents are required to vacate the property. They will have to find a temporary place to stay during this period. This includes the pets.
• The property should be thoroughly prepared for the treatment and you will also have to clean again after the treatment.
• Fumigation does not protect from future infestations.

 HiTech Termite Control

In the end, choosing fumigation or soil treatment for termites depends on the details of the infestation like the type of termites and the severity of the infestation. Regular annual inspections of your property can help find the infestation at an early stage to eliminate it. We at HiTech Termite Control, provide both termite inspection and termite control services. Click here to know more.