Termites can cause serious damage to homes if left unchecked. Homeowners may consider spraying their own homes to save on the cost of hiring a professional pest control company. However, termite treatment requires specific products and proper application to be effective. This article will examine the key considerations around DIY termite spraying.
The short answer
Technically, you can spray your own home for termites. However, DIY termite treatment is not recommended in most cases. Termite infestations often spread to hard-to-reach areas in walls and foundations. Specialized tools and thorough application is needed to eliminate termites in a structure. Without proper treatment, termites are likely to return and cause ongoing damage.
What’s involved in termite treatment?
Treating a home for termites involves several steps:
- Inspecting the home to identify the location and extent of the infestation
- Selecting the appropriate termiticide (pesticide formulated to kill termites)
- Preparing the treatment areas
- Applying the termiticide according to the label directions
- Sealing up entry points to prevent re-infestation
- Follow up inspections and treatments if needed
Certain termiticide products are restricted to licensed pest management professionals. Homeowners are limited to over-the-counter products that may not provide the same level of effectiveness.
Inspection
A thorough inspection by a trained professional is key to locating the origin of the infestation. Termites often spread through hidden channels inside walls, flooring, foundations, and other concealed areas. Identifying these areas is crucial for directing treatment to the right locations.
Termiticide application
Once infested areas are identified, the termiticide must be applied according to the specific label directions. The products, dilution rates, and application methods differ depending on the formulation. Improper dilution or application can render the treatment ineffective and put occupants at risk.
Common application methods include:
- Drilling – Small holes are drilled into concrete foundations and termiticide is injected into voids and cavities where termites travel
- Trenching – Shallow trenches are dug around the foundation and termiticide solution is poured into the trenches
- Rodding – Metal rods are used to poke holes into the ground around the foundation to inject termiticide
- Foam – Termiticide is mixed with foam for better penetration into walls and voids
Professionals have the specialized equipment and experience to employ these application methods properly based on the specifics of the infestation.
Pros of DIY termite treatment
There are some potential advantages to spraying your own home for termites:
- Cost savings – DIY treatment may cost significantly less than hiring a professional, especially for large homes.
- Convenience – Homeowners can treat at their own pace without coordinating schedules with a pest company.
- Control – DIY allows homeowners to choose their own products and decide exactly how much termiticide to apply and where.
For homeowners on a tight budget, the lower cost of DIY can be appealing. However, keep in mind that ineffective treatment could lead to expensive structural repairs down the line.
Cons of DIY termite treatment
There are also some significant downsides to attempting DIY termite treatment:
- Safety risks – Termiticides are toxic chemicals that can pose health hazards if used incorrectly. Proper protective equipment is essential.
- Incomplete treatment – It is very difficult for untrained homeowners to locate all infested areas and treat them thoroughly enough to eliminate termites.
- No guarantees – DIY treatment has no warranties or guarantees. Termites may return and cause damage, leaving homeowners to pay the repair costs.
- No follow up – Unlike professionals, homeowners have limited ability to perform follow up inspections and re-treat if needed.
The main concern with DIY termite treatment is the likelihood that it will fail to fully eliminate the termites. Hidden areas can easily be overlooked, allowing termites to spread and cause chronic damage over time.
When can DIY treatment work?
In limited scenarios, DIY treatment may be sufficient:
- If the infestation is very minor and accessible – For example, just a few termites found swarming in a bathroom.
- As supplemental treatment to problem areas after professional treatment.
- For prevention on new construction before drywall is installed.
Small, localized infestations in easy to reach areas have the highest chance of success with DIY methods. But extensive infestations inside foundations, crawlspaces, attics, and walls typically require professional equipment and expertise.
Options for DIY termite treatment
The main over-the-counter termiticide options available to homeowners include:
Boric acid
Boric acid is a natural mineral pesticide. It acts as a stomach poison for insects. Boric acid products come as a powder or liquid concentrate to be diluted with water.
Advantages:
- Low toxicity for humans and pets
- Long residual action – can keep killing termites for several months
- Very inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- Slow acting – can take days to weeks to kill termites
- Difficult to apply into hidden infested areas
- Easily washed away by moisture
Borates
Borates are minerals containing boron, like borax or sodium borate. Borates are low toxicity insecticides that can kill termites after ingestion. Products include powders, granules, and solutions.
Advantages:
- Low toxicity to mammals
- Provides some residual effects for ongoing protection
- Can be applied into wall voids as a liquid
Disadvantages:
- Need to be ingested to be effective, so thorough application is important
- Do not kill termites as quickly as professional products
- May require multiple applications
Pyrethroids
Pyrethroid insecticides are synthetic versions of pyrethrins, which come from chrysanthemum flowers. They work by disrupting nerve function in insects.
Advantages:
- Low toxicity to mammals
- Fast acting – can kill termites within hours
- Available in concentrates and ready-to-use formulas
Disadvantages:
- Minimal residual activity – don’t provide ongoing protection
- Outdoor applications can be washed away by rain and irrigation
- Termites can avoid treated areas, so thorough application is critical
Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoid insecticides like imidacloprid interfere with the nerve transmission in insects. They are systemic chemicals taken up by plants.
Advantages:
- Taken up by roots making the whole plant toxic to insects
- Lower toxicity to mammals than other pesticides
- Long-lasting protection for several months
Disadvantages:
- Can take days to weeks to transfer through plant and kill insects
- Outdoor treatments can leach away with watering
- Not designed for direct application into infested wood
Safety precautions for DIY termite treatment
Any termiticide has risks if used improperly. Here are some key safety measures to take for DIY application:
- Read and follow all label directions for mixing, applying, and storing the product.
- Only use termiticides intended for homeowners, not ones restricted to professionals.
- Wear protective equipment like gloves, goggles, a respirator mask, and coveralls.
- Use caution on windy days to avoid exposure through blowing spray.
- Keep all people and pets out of areas during treatment.
- Ventilate indoor treatment areas well before re-occupying.
- Store and secure all termite control products safely out of reach of children and pets.
Even with precautions, the misuse risks with termiticides make professional application the safest approach in most cases.
Signs that DIY termite treatment failed
It’s important to remain vigilant for signs of termites after DIY treatment. Ongoing monitoring lets you identify treatment failures before major damage occurs. Signs that termites are still active or re-infesting after DIY treatment include:
- Live termite swarmers emerging inside the home
- Mud tubes on foundation walls or pillars
- Galleries or damaged wood when removing wall panels or flooring
- Hollow sounding wood when tapped
- Buckling paint or drywall
If any evidence of termites continues or reappears after DIY treatment, it likely indicates the infestation was not fully eliminated. Continued termites activity requires additional professional treatment.
Can I retreat a house myself after a failed DIY treatment?
You can retreat yourself after a failed DIY attempt, but results are still unlikely to be successful without locating hidden infestations. The best course of action after a failed DIY treatment is to bring in a professional pest control company. They have the tools and training to:
- Thoroughly inspect inside walls, under slabs, and other inaccessible areas
- Detect termite tunnels and damage missed in the initial treatment
- Apply specialized fumigation or foam treatments if needed
- Provide warranty protection if termites return
Retreating yourself risks wasting more time and money on ineffective DIY methods. Hiring a professional for a complete treatment and warranty ensures termites get eliminated from the entire structure.
What are signs I should call a professional instead?
The following are signs that a termite infestation should be left to the professionals:
- There are swarms of winged termites inside the home
- Mud tubes are present on foundation walls
- Damage or tunnels are found in structural beams or support posts
- An attached garage, finished basement, or many additions make access difficult
- The house walls have dense insulation, making drilling hard to perform
- Control is needed under concrete slabs, requiring specialized equipment
Extensive infestations, difficult access areas, and risk of structural damage make professional help advisable. The risk of DIY treatment failure is too high in these situations.
Professional vs. DIY treatment cost comparison
A typical cost comparison between DIY and professional termite treatment might look like:
| Treatment | One-time cost |
|---|---|
| DIY liquid termiticide treatment | $100 – $500 |
| Professional liquid termiticide treatment | $500 – $1500 |
| DIY termite bait system | $150 – $650 |
| Professional termite bait system | $650 – $2000 |
| Professional fumigation | $2000 – $5000 |
DIY will almost always be less expensive up front. But if it fails to get rid of the termites, the resulting damage can cost thousands down the road. Professional treatment typically comes with warranties and service contracts to retreat if termites persist or return. That added protection has significant value to avoid future destruction and repair bills from termites.
Key takeaways on DIY termite treatment
- Spraying termiticides correctly requires training and the right equipment.
- Hidden termite infestations easily get missed with DIY application.
- Improper use of termiticides can endanger you and your family.
- Without warranties and follow up care, termites can persist and cause chronic damage.
- DIY has the lowest upfront cost but the highest risk of failure.
- Professionals have the expertise and tools to eliminate termites more thoroughly.
Conclusion
When weighing whether to spray your own home for termites, consider how extensive the infestation is and your ability to access all infested areas. Attempting do-it-yourself treatment for large hidden infestations has a high chance of failure. This can allow termites to spread and lead to expensive repairs down the road.
For the best chance at eliminating a termite problem, a professional pest control company is highly recommended. Though more costly at first, professional treatment comes with experience, equipment, warranties and follow up care that help ensure termites are controlled and your home is protected from damage.