Termite and Wood Boring Insects - termite protection...
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shw104
05-23-08, 07:13 AM
Live outside of Baltimore… my neighbor had a termite problem in their house a couple years ago and I know they are a huge problem in my neighborhood. My house has been inspected yearly (professionally) and by me frequently and so far no problems.
Is it worth hiring a large termite company to “protect” my house?? AKA.. $1000…
I’ve seen termite spikes in Home Depot that appear to be geared to adding some level of protection. Is this a good alternative?
Any advice is greatly appreciated..
Thanks
Scott
Is it worth hiring a large termite company to “protect” my house?? AKA.. $1000…
I’ve seen termite spikes in Home Depot that appear to be geared to adding some level of protection. Is this a good alternative?
Any advice is greatly appreciated..
Thanks
Scott
Gunguy45
05-23-08, 08:27 AM
My ex let the termite protection on my house lapse, so I had to restart the treatment. Didn't even think about it after I moved back to the house, til in the spring, when the swarmers came in the garage and under one wall. Luckily, no structural damage, just some baseboard needed replacing.
After the re-treat (full perimeter), still had swarmers in the yard every spring. Checked with the Gov entomologist (sp?) on the base I worked, and he gave me an hour on termites in our area. Since the perimeter treatment only killed and prevented them from entering the house, the colonies were still out there. Also, something about when the critters died, other ones would avoid that area and search for other weak points. He also stated that the treatment really depended on soil conditions, as to how long it would last and how far it would penetrate (hard clay bout 18" below surface in that area). Had 2 more incidents of swarmers in the house, but again, luckily no infestations, just coming thru the concrete joints in the garage. At that time, none of the baiting stations were approved for use, so I just had to deal with it.
Bout 3-4 yrs later, prob about 1999, Terminix (our service) came by and offered the baiting method. Since I wasn't a fan of pumping chemicals into the ground and house, I decided to try it. It did cost a bit more, but I felt the inspections and monthly monitoring were worth it. Guess what, within about a year, no more swarmers in the yard anywhere..they all moved off to the neighbors. Neighbors on both sides went to the "pro" bait stations, and had the same results. Those that were still having the standard treatment were still having outside swarmer issues when I moved last year.
I don't believe the DIY stakes are as effective as the Pro stations that are monitored and swapped for the poison when indicated. If the ones in the store are only a put it in and forget it, I don't think I'd spend the money. The termites will learn to avoid it.
BTW this was when I lived down the road from you in Hampton VA.
After the re-treat (full perimeter), still had swarmers in the yard every spring. Checked with the Gov entomologist (sp?) on the base I worked, and he gave me an hour on termites in our area. Since the perimeter treatment only killed and prevented them from entering the house, the colonies were still out there. Also, something about when the critters died, other ones would avoid that area and search for other weak points. He also stated that the treatment really depended on soil conditions, as to how long it would last and how far it would penetrate (hard clay bout 18" below surface in that area). Had 2 more incidents of swarmers in the house, but again, luckily no infestations, just coming thru the concrete joints in the garage. At that time, none of the baiting stations were approved for use, so I just had to deal with it.
Bout 3-4 yrs later, prob about 1999, Terminix (our service) came by and offered the baiting method. Since I wasn't a fan of pumping chemicals into the ground and house, I decided to try it. It did cost a bit more, but I felt the inspections and monthly monitoring were worth it. Guess what, within about a year, no more swarmers in the yard anywhere..they all moved off to the neighbors. Neighbors on both sides went to the "pro" bait stations, and had the same results. Those that were still having the standard treatment were still having outside swarmer issues when I moved last year.
I don't believe the DIY stakes are as effective as the Pro stations that are monitored and swapped for the poison when indicated. If the ones in the store are only a put it in and forget it, I don't think I'd spend the money. The termites will learn to avoid it.
BTW this was when I lived down the road from you in Hampton VA.