Let’s name some toxic-free treatments for termites. The use of vinegar, orange oil, DIY traps, all these come to our mind.
But is it possible to eliminate a termite infestation using these techniques?
And if not, is there any toxic-free technique that can be used for the elimination of termites?
Important Note: If you're tired of pests and want a reliable solution, then you should definitely consider seeking help from a professional pest control company. DIY solutions can be effective, but if you're dealing with a significant pest infestation, you don't want to rely solely on DIY methods. Pest control companies typically don't charge huge fees. You can fill out this form to receive free quotes from the top local pest control companies, and compare the quotes and see for yourself. Then, finally, your pest problems will be eliminated for good.
The answer is heat treatment.
In this article, we are going to discuss everything related to heat treatment.
Its effectiveness, the stages involved in the process, etc.
What is Heat Treatment?
Heat treatment involves the usage of hot air for the elimination of termites. The main objective of this technique is to kill termites with excessive heat.
Generally, heaters are used for the generation of hot air and the houses are sealed completely to avoid any kind of damage.
This technique is used when there are multiple infestations present in the house. Termites need moisture to survive, so usage of heat becomes a toxic-free and efficient way for their elimination.
Is Heat Treatment Effective?
When it comes to the effectiveness of heat treatment, you will be disappointed.
It’s not like it cannot kill all types of termites, but when it comes to complete elimination, only drywood termites can be fully eradicated.
The subterranean termites that live underground can easily come back to your house a few days after the heat treatment. These are soil-burrowing termites so heat cannot eliminate them.
For Formosan and subterranean termites, you have to look for alternatives such as fumigation (going to be discussed later in this article).
What Happens in the Heat Treatment?
The definition of heat treatment is simple, using heat to eliminate termites. But the process is not that simple. It involves various processes that need to be conducted. The following are the processes that happen during the heat treatment.
Inspection
The first thing that is done in heat treatment is the inspection. The pest control team will examine your house. They will look for termite infestation signs at every possible location.
Also, checking will be done to confirm whether it is safe to use heat or not.
Once the examination is done, the pest control team will start the heat treatment.
Removal of Appliances
The treatment begins with the removal of all heat appliances. The team will shut down all the devices that may react with heat. Plants, plastics, pets, everything will be removed.
Sealing of House
Next comes the sealing. After the removal of devices, it is now time for the sealing of the house. Windows and doors will be closed. The house will be covered with a tent to ensure safety and avoid leakage of heat.
Setting up of Heaters
The temperature of each room will be recorded and according to that temperature of the heater will be set. It will ensure that temperature only reaches that point which is sufficient enough to kill termites. Everything will be monitored by the pest team.
Removal of Heaters
After the completion of the treatment, heaters will be removed. The team will wait for the temperature to come down to normal and if needed, pieces of equipment are used for cooling the temperature.
Final Inspection
Once the temperature has come down to normal. The team will look for the damages that may have been caused because of the treatment and will also check the extent of elimination of termites. Homeowners will only be allowed when the temperature reaches the normal point.
Difference Between Heat Treatment and Fumigation
You may have remembered that we have talked about fumigation earlier in this article. When it comes to eliminating all types of termites, it can be used.
But does that mean it is better than heating treatment? Well, the answer is tricky. Both these treatments have their advantages and disadvantages.
To have a better idea about both these techniques, let’s discuss the difference between them.
- Firstly, the heating technique involves the use of hot air but when it comes to fumigation, chemical-infused gases are used to kill the termites.
- Secondly, since fumigation involves the usage of chemicals, homeowners may have to move out of their house for a longer time as compared to the heating technique.
- The third thing is that fumigation is not the most eco-friendly choice as it involves the usage of chemicals. It poses more risks to the occupants of the structure as compared to heat technique which is a toxic-free way for the elimination of termites.
- Both these techniques involve the tenting process. Fumigation is effective and gives better protection against termites as it leaves residues that will protect your house from future infestations.
- The cost of fumigation is more as it involves the usage of chemicals and an intensive tenting process.
Conclusion
Both these techniques, fumigation and heat treatment have their benefits and flaws. It is up to us to decide which technique is suitable for us. Inspection is advised for the choice of treatment.
If the infestation is small, go for the heating technique. It poses less danger and is toxic-free.
Always double-check the preparations for the heating treatment to avoid any accident. The pest control team should be experienced and certified for the successful elimination of termites.
