Termite and Wood Boring Insects - DIY “Professional” Extermination...

Hi, DIY Folks,

I am a first-time homeowner (house built 1997, north of Dallas), and am very anxious to protect my investment from future termites and current ants, roaches, and spiders. (Well, Duh!)

QUESTION: Is it feasible for a DIY person to perform adequate, "professional quality", Quarterly Termite, Insect and Spider preventive inspections and extermination? (This would probably involve DIY Tools and Chemicals, unless I could get my hands on Professional products, which is not so likely.)

REASON: Paying 90 dollars to a Professional Exterminator service every three months is okay, if I could be confident that I am getting my money’s worth. However, I have read some curious things about the "big" extermination companies and about home termite inspectors, as well. Also, it seems like sometimes the smaller extermination companies are folks who were trained in the “big” extermination companies, and then started their own companies (hopefully to provide a more ethical service).

CAVEAT: My apologies if this is an old topic, since I've not yet found it.

Your opinions are appreciated, and thank you in advance!

Robt.
:coffee:

When you purchased your home, I assume there was a professional inspection by an exterminator. If you have an in-ground termiticide barrier, this is usually maintained by a yearly inspection. If you have bait stations, these will have to be inspected on a regular basis. It is not recommended that bait stations be used as a stand-alone termite prevention.

Termite control is best done by a licensed professional who has the equipment and experience. The only time DIY termite treatment is recommended is if you are treating a decaying stump or perhaps a potting shed or other structure that is not attached to your home.

Exterior perimeter treatment along foundation can be maintained by you. A residual insecticide can be sprayed on foundation and out into lawn to keep away insects and their predators. The best control for insects that may enter the home is to make sure all gaps, cracks, and crevices are sealed. Make sure doors and windows properly closed and have no gaps around them.

Thanks, Mr. Twelvepole, for your thorough reply.

I will have to check into "in-ground termiticide barriers", since I was not aware of them..or what they are.

Meanwhile, I have gotten the recommended name of a good exterminator service. My initial concerns were with some of the case studies and lawsuits I had read of, in which extermination firms were charging for contractual, periodic re-inspections that were never performed. Or, injection services that was only marginal.

Thanks, again!

Robt.