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Termite Control History

Termites are high-risk, high-cost pests that can afflict the entire United States. However, termite infestations are not a new predicament to exterminators. Early termite control methods were primarily conducted by homeowners themselves, although they have proven relatively ineffective over time. Today, termite control consists of a variety of advanced chemical treatments and techniques applied by highly-trained professionals. 

Homeowners have used boric acid to attempt to control termite populations. A white powder mined from the Mojave Desert, boric acid is employed to combat a variety of insect pests and can be mixed with a proportional amount of water before being applied. Until the late 1980's, the chemical agent chlordane also was used in American homes as a method of termite control. However, some researchers have indicated chlordane could be harmful to the environment and to humans. It is currently banned in the United States.

Termite control chemicals work in a variety to methods to control termites.  Some are relatively slow-acting while others work faster in controlling termites.  Examples of slow-acting termite control chemicals could be considered as bait/monitor programs.  Monitors/baits are placed in stations outside. Worker termites take the bait back to their colonies hopefully leading to the elimination of the colony. This slow-acting bait will eventually poison and sterilize entire colonies. Fast-acting toxic materials act in much the same manner as previous termite control methods. These chemicals are administered to active problem areas and as protective barriers to kill termites. This is done to prevent any further damage to the property.

Most termite control chemicals used today are synthetic and highly toxic. Keeping children and pets away when a termite service is being performed is very important.

Dangers of Termite Control

Termite Control Innovations

New Termite Treatments

Measures of Termite Control

Pre-Construction Termite Control

Residential Termite Control

Effectiveness of Subterranean Termite Control

Termite Blocker