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5 Chemicals Used For Termite Control

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage each year across the US, which puts them on par with natural disasters. They will eat wood, paper, books, insulation and even the liner on your swimming pool. They also work around the clock, eating the structural support of a building day and night. In order to prevent this damage and remove a termite infestation, specialists will use a variety of chemicals that are effective against these insects. In this article, we’re going to cover a few of these chemicals and how they are used.

Arsenic trioxide

Arsenic trioxide is also known as white arsenic or arsenious oxide, and it is a part of the numerous arsenic compounds that are used for pest control. This chemical in particular is used for wood treatment, and it is highly toxic to insects and mammals. It is heavy, tasteless, and odorless, and it usually comes in a white powder that is barely soluble in water. Commercial grade arsenic trioxide is coarse, and it can be made more toxic if it is finely ground.

Bifenthrin

Bifenthrin can be used both in pre-construction and post-construction treatments in order to create a chemical barrier around the home. It is a synthetic pesticide that comes in three legal concentrations: 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.25%. The different concentrations are effective for different durations of time, with the first two being effective for up to 10 years, and the third one being effective for three. This chemical is also medium to highly toxic for people.

Permethrin

Permethrin is a longer lasting synthetic pyrethroid that is used against termites that have infested trees and tree stumps. It can be used in both liquid and foam treatments, and it generally targets subterranean termites. It is low to medium toxic for people.

Fipronil

Fipronil is an insecticide that is not used exclusively for termites, and it is extremely active. It is used for liquid treatments to create barriers surrounding existing structures, and it actually attracts termites to it. It is also a chemical that is low to medium toxic for people.

Imidacloprid

This insecticide will target the central nervous system of an insect and it is considered a neonicotinoid. It is not as harmful to mammals due to the way it targets the neurons of insects, and it is considered to have medium toxicity at most for people.

Which treatment is best for my home?

When working with a Cypress Creek pest control specialist, they will recommend the best chemical to use for your property. If you have a termite infestation, or if you have any questions about these chemicals, contact us today.