Localized Treatment for the Control of Drywood Termite Infestation

Traditionally, ascertaining the presence of Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms. (Termites, Fungus, and Dryrot) and the extent of damage caused is only performed through escrow. Without the benefits of periodic inspections and annual maintenance, the potential for Drywood Termites almost invariably results in recommendations for fumigations.

Along with the recommendation goes the occupant inconvenience, high cost of fumigation, potential roof damage, possible landscape damage and expense of temporarily vacating of occupants for a 54 hour process. Localized treatments are not designed for whole house eradications. (However, when permissible, our firm has been providing localized treatment methods for the past 30 years).

This article attempts to provide an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of localized treatments as opposed to fumigation and to clarify the Structural Pest Control Board definition of the acceptable parameters of localized treatments.

A responsible company, through the knowledge and experience of a Structural Pest Control Operator utilized in conjunction with general construction can determine infestation and damage and make the necessary repairs, as well as, initiate a maintenance service. The effectiveness of localized treatments has improved because of enhanced inspection performance, chemical application techniques and new equipment technology.

A common misconception is that during the swarming periods, September and October the alates, or winged termites, fly from one area to another. They transport themselves through thermal guidance provided by prevailing air currents.

The existing colonies will swarm and re-infest within the same attic area, or relocate in the susceptible areas of adjacent structures. While fumigation is an initial solution, it leaves no residue to combat re-infestation; Localized treatments involves the injection of pesticides directly into the infested channels of the timbers created by the termites themselves, as well as, the topical application of toxic chemicals. This is commonly known as drill and treatment, and not only eradicates the colony itself but is absorbed by the wood, and provides an inhibitive barrier against re-infestation in the specific area.

As stated by the Structural Pest Control Board definition of localized treatments, accessible areas are those able to be physically reached for hand treatment. Known infestations, noted on termite reports as IA or inaccessible, will upon appropriate approval be opened and exposed for further inspection, and a Supplemental Report will be issued to the Structural Pest Control Board with findings and recommendations.

Accessibility and preliminary surveys are determined upon the following criteria:

• The age and location of the structure
• If ever the structure has been fumigatedin the past.
• Accessibility of attics and substructure areas.
• Obvious evidence and accessibility of termite pellets or damage.

The goal for the concerned consumer is to control termite infestations, provide maintenance and prevent structural damage. The interest of the responsible parties are best served by utilizing the format offered by competent people qualified to issue necessary warranty and certification on all work.

One of the major inroads now available against re-infestation is a maintenance service utilizing a primary recommendation drill and treatment method, followed with an injection of Drione (powder form) to all accessible attic areas to minimize re-infestation by the dehydration of Termites. These recommendations and applications, when appropriately performed, are recognized by the Structural Pest Control Board as a primary recommendation. The document titled Notice of Work Completed and Not Completed with necessary warranties and required certification clause, when submitted to escrow, is acceptable by lenders to proceed with financing to close escrow.

During the 2001 annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, in San Diego California, accepted for publication, local treatments with chemicals and inert dust have dominated the Drywood Termite control market for decades. Applications for controlling Drywood Termites include use of State Registered Pesticides to the surface of wood or injected into the termite galleries. Exact estimates on the market share of chemicals for controlling Drywood Termites infestations are difficult, however, in California at least 70% of all Drywood Termite treatments involve Local Treatment Applications.

A portion of the enclosed information was provided by Target Specialty Products annual seminar, March,18 2009