Consumer Advocacy
What you need to know
Termite Control Services
  • Termite control is about extermination and prevention
  • Choose companies that offer satisfaction or money-back guarantees
  • Look for experts that provide more than one exterminating method
  • Cost depends on the size of the affected structure and the extent of the infestation
Our Approach

How we analyzed the best Termite Control Services

Available Treatment Options
Liquid spraying, baiting systems, tenting, and everything in between-- the more treatment options a company provides, the better it can combat termites. Eco-friendly solutions were also considered.
Service Guarantees
Do the companies re-treat an area if another infestation occurs? Do they offer a money-back guarantee if the situation persists? We examined these and other options and valued them accordingly.
Costs
There are several ways to save money when choosing a termite control specialist. Free inspections, discounts, and bundling are some of the alternatives we looked at.
Customer Experience & Perks
We considered an array of features such as service rep availability, communication method (phone, chat, email), service area, ease-of-use, and informational material on the company's website, among other factors.
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We receive compensation from these partners, which impacts the order they appear on the page. That said, the analyses and opinions on our site are our own and we believe in editorial integrity.

Our Top Picks: Termite Control Services Reviews

Additional Regional Companies to Consider

During our research process, we determined that the following companies are among the top termite control options available. However, we didn’t review them in-depth because of their limited geographical reach.

Massey Review

Offers their services across seven southern states: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas.

White Knight Pest Control Review

Provides termite control solutions in several cities in Texas, Utah, and Colorado.

 

Terminix review

National Termite Control Company

Terminix is one of the best-known pest control companies in the market, with 864 offices in 22 countries and 47 states (excluding Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota). Their history with termites dates back to 1932, when senior chemist Frank Lyons created the first ever termiticide at Bruce Terminix Research Laboratory.

The company has since remained an industry leader in both residential and commercial termite control, dividing their treatment options into one-time exterminations or a variety of maintenance plans, the latter of which are protected by the Terminix Promise Plus Plan (though this is not applicable in some parts of Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama). This guarantee is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, promising that members will not have to pay for damage or treatment again, so long as they keep their plan.

Treatment Options

Terminix offers several different treatments tailored to the type of termite invading your home. For Drywood termites, the company covers the entire house with specialized tarps in a process known as tenting, after which fumigant is dispersed. Residents can return home safely in 2-3 days. For Subterranean or Formosan termites, Terminix can use either the Bait Defend System or the Liquid Defend System. The former consists of bait stations set up around the perimeter of the home--the idea is that foraging termites feed on the poisoned bait, then take it back to the rest of the colony and disperse it, thereby eliminating the infestation. The latter involves digging trenches in the soil around the home and drilling through slab areas. The liquid treatment is then injected in those areas, forming a barrier against termites attempting to enter the home.

All of the company’s termite solutions are administered by trained technicians who participate in ongoing training programs as part of their employment. They are also required to be fully government licensed, insured and bonded. Likewise, technicians are all background checked, including criminal and driving history.

One-time visit - Terminix schedules a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of your home, looking for access points and possible damage, after which the technician creates a treatment or protection plan tailored to your needs.

Subterranean Termite Coverage Plan - This covers a free inspection carried out by a licensed exterminator, to determine whether your home qualifies for the plan, and whether there is an active infestation. As part of the yearly renewal process, Terminix will then conduct another inspection to see if the home has remained termite-free. If a subterranean termite colony is discovered during this new evaluation, the company covers the treatment and damage repair costs. If you are not satisfied with the service within 30 days of the inspection or treatment, Terminix will refund the treatment or coverage charges, reimburse any prepaid services, and cancel the plan.

Ultimate Protection Package - This plan includes a free inspection of your home to see if it has any current subterranean termite infestation or damage, and an interior and exterior treatment. Customers also get regular treatments for other types of pests, such as cockroaches, ants, and spiders. Finally, there’s an annual inspection to determine whether the home is still termite-free, with treatment if termites are discovered and coverage for any damage and repair costs.

Customer Experience

Terminix offers 24/7 customer support, which can be contacted either over the phone or via the company app. Launched in 2012, the app allows customers to schedule visits, view bills, request urgent service, and receive notifications.

The company website is also one of the most helpful in the industry, with a wide array of resources and educational information, including videos and an informative blog.

Orkin review

Comprehensive National Company

Orkin was founded in 1901 by a door-to-door rat poison salesman from Germany named Otto Orkin, and, by 1932 the company had grown to service eight states and Washington D.C. During its century of experience, Orkin has expanded its reach nationally and globally to serve more than 1.6 million commercial and residential customers. Aside from pest and termite control, they also offer insulation and moisture control services.

Orkin has several different treatments for termite infestations, and provides the option of purchasing a Continuous Termite Protection Plan, with re-treatments at no additional charge.

Treatment Options

Once an Orkin specialist has conducted an assessment of the property with infrared thermometers and moisture meters, from basement to attic crawl space, he or she provides a recommendation in the form of the Orkin Inspection Report.

This comes with tailored digital diagrams, and a suggested treatment plan if necessary. If the technician finds a current or potential infestation, Orkin offers three types of treatments, after which they can offer a continuous protection plan, to be renewed annually.

Termidor® Liquid Treatment - Termidor is the industry standard for non-repellent termite control, and is marketed as “America’s #1 termite defense product.” It can last for more than ten years, and can kill colonies in as little as 90 days. It’s also effective against other pests, such as carpenter ants and Rasberry crazy ants.

Dry Foam and OrkinFoam - For both interiors and exteriors, foam treatments can get to hard-to-reach places, like wall voids, where sprays can’t penetrate.

Sentricon® Bait and Monitoring - This Integrated Pest Management practice, developed by Dr. Nan-Yao Su, consists of poisoned bait stations that target areas that are highly attractive to termites, such as tree stumps, sprinkler heads, moist soil, roof downspouts, and other humidity-prone areas. The termites take the bait and transport it back to their colony, infecting the others and potentially eliminating the infestation.

Quality of Customer Service

Orkin’s service coverage area encompasses 46 states, with over 400 branch and franchise offices, and a presence in most major U.S. cities, making it easy for consumers to find an office near them. They do not, however, serve Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wyoming.

All of its technicians receive training in the Rollins Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on model kitchens, hotel rooms, locker rooms, pharmacies, and other similar scenarios. Technicians must complete a minimum of 160 hours of training in their first year.

Guarantee

Orkin has a 30-day money back guarantee, with free touch-ups at no extra charge if pests come back, and a refund of the last payment if the company is unable to adequately solve the problem. They even offer to pay for 60 days of a competitor’s treatment if you’re not satisfied, a unique approach in the pest control industry.

Truly Nolen review

Regional Company (Mixed Bag of States)

The family-owned Truly Nolen company is one of the most successful pest control companies in the nation. Their distinctive logo and fleet of “mouse cars” are recognizable elements of their time-established image.

They offer pest control services, including termite control, across dozens of branches in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. They also have a significant international presence, with offices or franchises in more than 50 countries.

Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Truly Nolen’s Total Termite Protection Plan is as comprehensive and multi-faceted as any in the industry. As always, the process begins with an inspection, during which a certified technician will examine all possible hiding places for termites and, after which, he or she will craft a treatment plan.

The application of said plan is threefold, targeting a home’s interior, exterior, and foundation. By setting their crosshairs on so many of the common termite activity areas, technicians improve their chances of eliminating any termite infestation or recurrence.

Truly Nolen claims its application technology increases their rate of success. They employ specific methods, such as high-pressure misters and injection rods, to deliver the liquid treatments on finished surfaces, interior voids, soils, and other hard to reach places.

100% Guarantee

Truly Nolen offers a $1 Million Guarantee for qualifying homes. The website states that they would “repair new structural damage caused by any new termite infestation.” What it means and how it’s applied is not specified.

Presto X review

Regional Company (Central States)

Just as the previous two companies listed, Presto-X is part of Rentokil, the world’s largest commercial pest control company. While Ehrlich and Western Exterminator respectively cover the eastern and western United States, Presto-X covers the central states of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.

Treatment Options

Presto-X’s termite control treatments are the basic options we can find across all large- and mid-sized companies. They offer two main types of treatments:

  • Soil treatment - the conventional termite control solution of applying termiticide directly into the soil and around the perimeter of the structure. This kills termites it comes into contact with and can create a barrier to prevent penetration.

  • Monitoring and baiting - Although there are several bait systems, the most used, and the one offered by Presto-X, is the Sentricon control system. A more environmentally-friendly approach due to its low toxicity to other organisms and its low potential for groundwater contamination, it consists of installing bait stations around the structure in specific areas where termite traffic occurs. The spread of the poison by way of the workers leads to the elimination of the colony.

Presto-X also offers the pestfree365 plan, as an IPM solution that includes a yearly termite inspection. Finally, the company has a handy online bill pay option.

 

Our Research

More insight into our methodology

Unlike many other products or services our website reviews, termite control doesn’t allow for much testing. We can’t infest our headquarters with different species of termites, let them eat away for several months, and then call exterminators for an inspection and to provide us with quotes (our building manager wouldn’t allow it).

We did, however, research the industry trends related to treatment options, mainly how companies are using less pesticide and how they are focusing on prevention and “greener” control options.  

We also spoke to several experts in the field of entomology and in termite control methods specifically. This gave us a better understanding of the damage termites are capable of, and the conceivable ways in which consumers can avoid becoming victims of such damage.

In the end, we looked at over a dozen companies and chose six, based on several factors we researched and which we believe make a termite control company worthwhile.


Available Treatment Options

The type of termites causing damage to a home or business determines which plan of action is best for addressing the problem. Since no two termite infestations are the same, we evaluated companies on the basis of their variety of available treatment options.

As a general rule, termite control companies should be able to employ both liquid soil treatments and bait-and-monitoring systems to deal with colonies outside a home or business. Additionally, for indoor infestations, the most common options are tenting and fumigation, particularly for drywood termites.  

Furthermore, customers should seek out companies that employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans that attack an infestation using a combination of methods. These should include inspection and monitoring, as well as more targeted approaches that avoid spraying harsh chemicals indiscriminately. Integrative methods are not just better for the environment, they have been proven to be more effective in eliminating the problem.


Service Guarantees

Companies that offer either re-treatment options or money-back guarantees demonstrate a willingness to stand behind their service. This provides reassurance that, if for some reason a treatment does not work the first time, the company will come back at no added expense to the customer. We ranked companies that provide these types of guarantees higher than those that didn’t.


Costs

Determining the basic cost of termite control is a challenge, since it varies depending on the level of infestation, termite type, chosen treatment options, size of the affected area, and the state where you live, among several other factors.

Some companies offer free quotes over the phone, which can provide a general idea of the potential costs. However, you should be aware that without an on-site inspection, any numbers you’re quoted won’t be completely accurate. Termite control companies that provide free inspections are the preferred alternative, although some companies that do charge for inspections will deduct that amount from the treatment cost

We also considered available discounts, whether money off on the first treatment or percentage rebates for specific plans, such as yearly inspections.


Customer Experience & Perks

We looked at several components when determining how to evaluate a positive customer experience. We favored companies with 24/7 customer service (which are only a few), as well as those with both phone and online communication such as chats.

Ease of use was also important, especially for tech-savvy customers who prefer to handle their accounts, payments, and records online.

We also considered the amount of educational material on each company’s website, such as recommendations for combating termites, guides for identifying damage, FAQs, and tips for prevention, since these can all be helpful for customers dealing with a termite infestation.

Finally, we took into account each company’s service area, concluding that national companies (that is, those that service a majority of states) have greater resources than regional ones. This does not mean, however, that national companies are automatically better options. Although these enterprises are generally consistent about providing training and continuous education to their termite control professionals, regional or even local exterminators might be better suited to deal with certain situations due to specific knowledge of their territory.

In this sense, we recommend that customers not only seek out the large- and medium-sized companies mentioned, but also research their own local companies for comparison's sake.

Helpful information about Termite Control Services

Getting to Know You

As is often the case, the best way to beat your adversary is by learning as much as you can about them. Even though termite behavior is fascinating in its own right --with some scientists going so far as to claim that colonies are giant, symbiotic organisms which collectively represent an individual-- for our purposes, knowing just some basic facts will be enough to get started.

There are three main types of termites that can affect homes in the U.S., with one - the Formosan  - being a particularly nasty subset:

  • Subterranean termites are the most common and are found, in some way or another, in every U.S. state except Alaska. They cause the most amount of damage because they’re widespread and can infest silently and invisibly.

  • Drywood termites are the second most common termite class and can do plenty of damage in their own right. They do not require contact with the soil to spread, instead forming their nests in the same wood they are consuming. They are limited in range, preferring warmer climates, such as those found in the southern U.S. and coastal states.

  • Dampwood termites, on the other hand, only feast on wood that contains significant amounts of moisture. They are much less common than the previously mentioned species, and generally prefer structures that are built close to water or whose wooden foundations are buried in very humid soil.

  • Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite and an extremely damaging invasive species in the U.S., mostly concentrated in the southern states. Formosan colonies can grow to be in the hundreds of thousands and feed on any type of cellulose matter (mainly trees and wood), but also in ubiquitous material such as drywall, cardboard, newspapers, and boxes.

According to world-renowned termite expert and Distinguished Professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Florida, Dr. Nan-Yao Su, “subterranean termites account for 80% of economic impact, [while] only 20% is caused by drywood termites”. Therefore, termite control companies everywhere offer solutions for controlling subterranean termite infestations, while companies located in states such as Florida, Arizona, and southern California, will also provide drywood termite control.

I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good

If we look at it from an ecological perspective, termites are one of the most important and useful species on the planet. After all, the amount of otherwise non-recyclable material they consume maintains a balance in the decomposition cycle of our biosphere.

Of course, home or business owners that suddenly find their properties crawling with these pests don’t really care about their essential function in planetary ecology. The issue at hand is the infestation itself, and its potential financial impact.

There are many ways termites can affect your well-being and your property.

How termites affect your home

Subterranean termites are relentless and equipped with an insatiable appetite. They consume any and all material they identify as food. That means worker termites foraging outside the colony search for pieces of wood, cardboard, or even drywall that can serve as sustenance for the rest of their brethren.

Subterranean termites slip through cracks in your home, building tunnels to protect themselves while feasting on any exposed surface they can digest. Areas of high moisture are particularly attractive to them, as well as piles of firewood or trees that lie next to the house where they can set up shop and continue foraging. If they ever sneak into the structure’s wooden foundation, it can lead to severe and costly damage.

Meanwhile, drywood termites don’t build huge colonies on the outside like subterranean termites do. They slip in, unannounced, and target specific pieces of drywood, say a wooden support beam, a floorboard, or a piece of furniture. Once inside, they slowly begin eating away the material, leaving only their droppings as a sign of infestation.

Doug Webb, manager of Technical Services at the Terminix corporate office, told us that “an average termite damage claim typically runs at around $8,000 dollars.” This includes all types of cases, from run-of-the-mill floorboard replacement to more catastrophic structural damage to the foundation.

However, Mr. Webb warns that, even if you suffer only minimal structural damage, termites can attack and destroy priceless artifacts such as family heirlooms, documents, and photos. The loss of these irreplaceable items can be a heavier blow than any material damage done to the home.

How termites affect your business

Just as termite damage can make short work of your home, an infestation can take over and wreak havoc on your business. And it’s not just about the physical space.

As Mr. Webb states, “to shut down for repairs is a very real cost to downtime for any business… but even more so, something like a warehouse that might be storing high-dollar items [such as electronics or pharmaceuticals]... the termites just get in and eat the boxes, [the products] are going to be unsellable and that can be extremely expensive.”

He adds that, in essence, the high cost of a termite infestation in a commercial space “not only has to do with the [physical] structure of the business, but also the products they may have in storage.. plus their business records, paper records that can be destroyed.”

All this should give business owners pause: choosing termite prevention can be a worthwhile investment when considering the monetary and physical consequences of infestation.

How termites affect your health

Surprisingly, termites are not harmful to humans in a direct way, meaning that they do not carry diseases and their bites are not toxic or harmful. They are in fact quite clean insects, in part because they are sheltered from outside contact with other organisms, including humans. As they do kick up dirt and allergens when they’re working and building, allergic reactions or asthma attacks can be triggered as a side effect.

And don’t worry about any potential harm a termite might inflict on a family pet. Just as they do not pose a physical threat to humans, termites are also harmless to dogs or cats.

How to spot termite activity and damage

The Sound of Silence

Unfortunately, since termites infest quietly and out of view, most damage goes unnoticed for a while before tell-tale signs start to pop up. On the other hand, unless the structure is under attack by the voracious Formosan termite, the damage will be slow to accumulate, giving you time to correctly deal with it.

Alertness is key. If you spot any of the following signs, call a termite control professional immediately to set up an inspection:

  • Mud tubes are the protective tunnels subterranean termites use to move around when they come out of the soil and into a structure. They are usually about the width of a pencil and remain moist to keep termites from drying up. Dry mud tubes may signal that termites are no longer using them, but does not necessarily mean that they have left the area.

  • Swarms or piles of discarded wings suggest that flying termites are active in the vicinity. Fully established colonies release hundreds of thousands of reproductive termites during the spring months, looking to start new colonies. Even if they fail to mate and settle in new territory, their presence indicates a nearby, active colony.

  • Hollow or cracked wood is the most unwanted symptom of a termite infestation. When termites have devoured wood, it becomes hollow and easily punctured, with intricate, maze-like paths weaved throughout. Of course, this is not externally visible until it’s too late and the wood is already past the point of saving.

  • Termite droppings, or frass, might seem innocent enough: they look like coffee-grounds or tiny, round pellets. However, since drywood termites don’t provide any other visible signal of their activity, looking out for their frass may be the only way to avoid any spread of infestation.

Of course, no matter how vigilant you are, some infestations can occur completely invisible to the naked eye. That’s why preventative measures and regular inspections, which we discuss in detail below, play an important role in stifling termite activity.

Treatments

The first step to treat any infestation is determining the type of termite that is causing the damage. To do this, an inspection by a professional is highly recommended.

After an inspection, the termite control professional provides an assessment of the situation and presents their plan to deal with it. This course of action depends on a whole range of factors besides the species of termite; it will also depend on the size of the infestation, the construction of the structure, and the layout of the surrounding area.

Dr. Susan Jones, professor of Entomology at The Ohio State University and a termite expert, advises that “particularly in the southern states, California, and Hawaii, where you have both subterranean and drywood termites,” an inspection is necessary to determine the correct treatment to apply. “With subterranean termites, you’re dealing with termites that are in the soil, so you concentrate on that soil to deliver the treatment, whereas with drywood termites that don’t have that soil contact” you don’t have to treat the soil at all, “rather you’re trying to concentrate on the wood where the termites are nesting.”

Treatments for subterranean termites

To deal with a subterranean termite infestation, there are basically two schools of thought: either spray the soil with liquid termiticides or set up bait stations.

  • Liquid spraying is still the most widely used form of termite control and consists of spraying an area with a specific pesticide in order to kill the termites in the ground and create a barrier against them. The most common termiticide currently used is Fipronil, marketed as Termidor, but there are also many other pesticides available, such as Altriset.

Although liquid spraying has been proven to be an effective method for killing the termites it comes in contact with, there are three major drawbacks worth considering:

  1. Even if a liquid soil treatment decimates the termite population, it doesn’t completely kill the colony.

  2. To create an effective barrier against termites, the liquid has to protect all possible entry points, particularly the foundation. This usually means either drilling holes or digging a trench around the structure.  

  3. Finally, despite the fact that the EPA regulates termiticides, and most states require compliance with their own regulations, these can still be highly toxic chemicals that cause environmental and health issues if not handled correctly.

  • Baiting systems are a termite control method developed to neutralize the totality of an infestation, all the way down to the colony’s queen. Termite control technicians install bait stations along the perimeter of the structure, particularly in places prone to termite traffic. These stations are filled with bait (usually a cellulose-based material such as paper or cardboard) that is laced with a slow-acting poison. The termite worker takes the bait back to the colony where it spreads, killing every member.

Baiting systems are proven to eradicate colonies in their entirety, and its ecological impact is negligible to none. However, proponents of liquid spraying do criticize some perceived disadvantages of bait systems.

  1. It is slow acting. It will not immediately kill the termites in the area, since it requires the workers to actually find the bait stations, feed on them, and return to the colony. This process could take several months.

  2. For bait systems to work, technicians need to routinely visit and inspect the stations, making sure that they’re functioning properly. This makes its a costlier option, requiring annual service contracts in order to guarantee performance.

We’ll delve into each method’s effectiveness and ecological impact later on. In the broadest of terms, liquid systems are cheaper and quicker than bait systems, but they can carry substantial risks and won’t completely eliminate the colony.

Treatments for drywood termites

Drywood termites infest the wood directly, therefore the treatment must be applied directly to the affected area. There are several ways to achieve this:

  • Whole structure fumigation (or tenting) - Since drywood termites are notoriously difficult to spot, the best way to eliminate a colony inside a home is to fumigate it completely. Termite control companies cover the residence in a tarp, and release the termiticide inside so it seeps into the affected areas. Although effective, it can be a major inconvenience for families that need to vacate the premises and safeguard the home and its contents from the chemicals used.

  • Spot treatment - This method focuses on a specific area or piece of wood where the infestation is taking place. It’s usually done by drilling holes into the wood and injecting termiticide directly. However, there are a variety of different methods that don’t rely on the use of chemicals, such as applying direct heat to the spot, a “cold” treatment that uses liquid nitrogen in the same way, and even microwave treatments.

Additionally, heat treatment can also be applied for the whole structure, though it comes with added precautions so as not to damage the structure or the contents therein.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

As part of their treatment options, termite control companies have adopted the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a sort of holistic approach towards pest control.

IPM as a whole is intended to deal with pests problems through multiple perspectives, using common sense and different treatment techniques. This, in turn, leads to reliance in preventative methods, such as minimizing the conditions in which termites thrive, as well as periodic inspections to detect termites before they can gain a foothold in a structure.

In the past, pest control companies would just spray chemicals everywhere in order to treat infestations. These methods were not only extremely harmful to people and the environment, but they weren’t very effective against re-infestations either.

In contrast, the idea of using IPM techniques is to minimize pesticide use, or at least to use it only when absolutely necessary. Therefore, inspection and monitoring are given top priority.

In a nutshell, IPM is a method for assessing infestations through observable evidence and using that knowledge to craft a specific course of action involving multiple tools, while at the same time limiting the application of chemicals. It’s a focused, decision-making process that takes into account every possible factor: from the slope of the structure and the moisture of the surrounding soil to the size of the infestation and the termite’s activity.

How Do I Choose?

Ultimately, the decision on which method to use comes after the inspection process and the termite control professional’s recommendation. It’s up to the consumer to decide if it’s the right choice for their space, budget, and peace of mind.

Of course, if a colony of termites is inexorably eating away at your most valuable possession --your home-- it’s understandable if you’re not much inclined on pausing to consider and compare between alternatives.

However, taking the time to clearly analyze the situation and balance the pros and cons of the multiple options available to you can help minimize both the environmental impact and, in the long run, the possibility of re-infestation.

“Green” alternatives

Due to the incontrovertible fact that human activity is negatively impacting the environment, there is now a growing tendency in all walks of life towards finding ecologically friendly solutions to common problems. This is no different in termite control, with some consumers opting for natural methods when they are viable, or at least choosing options that minimize the ecological impact some treatments can cause.

There are, however, differing views when it comes to defining what these “green” alternatives are and how they can be used.

Generally speaking, termite control companies consider anything that uses fewer amounts of chemicals, or substances with less toxicity, a “green” alternative. Most of this stems from their use of IPM techniques, as mentioned above, but this has not always been the case.

During the first half of the 20th century, DDT was the preferred chemical used for pest control. Due to its highly toxic nature, it was regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and later banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

After DDT, chlordane was heavily used for termite control. Similarly, numerous studies determined it was also harmful to humans and animals, and it was banned by the EPA in 1988.

Currently, the most common termiticide is Fipronil, marketed under the Termidor brand. Fipronil is approved by the EPA and regulated by state agencies, but its extensive use and possible adverse effects have come under heavy scrutiny. It has been found to be toxic to sea and freshwater fish, and its use in agriculture was blamed as a leading cause of the decimation of bee populations in France during the 1990s.

We spoke with Dr. Nan-Yao Su regarding Fipronil’s effectiveness, and he stated that Fipronil “is highly effective, very toxic, and you don’t need a large quantity.” If a termite comes in contact with the substance it will die. However, “this chemical will not kill the colony.” This goes to the heart of the debate between liquid treatment versus bait treatment.

Liquid treatments are less expensive, require less maintenance, and kill termites much quicker. But their ultimate effectiveness, particularly their inability to eliminate a colony in its entirety, and their unsettled safety concerns, should entice consumers to at least consider other alternatives.    

If we look at the debate as a cost-benefit issue, Dr. Su says “there is no doubt that bait system is much more [cost beneficial] than liquid treatments…[because] we know that if you do not have termites, you have zero termite damage potential.”

As the inventor of the Sentricon system, Dr. Su is, naturally, a leading advocate of phasing out liquid treatments in favor of bait systems. When asked if he believed federal and state regulations do enough to prevent the usage of harmful chemicals for pest prevention he states that “they’re absolutely not doing anything...you would think that having a product that’s safe for the environment (bait systems) they would champion it and slowly phase out the other one...but they’re still allowing that old, arcane technology to be used.” He continues by saying that “unless some politician or consumer group raises the issue and starts pressuring them, they are not going to move.”  

Dr. Susan Jones provides another perspective. She agrees that “in general, the bait [treatments] are more environmentally friendly than soil treatments.” But, she adds that “as far as the soil treatments go, there are a number of different chemistries registered...considered to be a much safer material, much lower toxicity,” in particular the compound Altriset. (According to the product’s website, “when used as directed, Altriset does not present a hazard to humans or domestic animals.”)

Furthermore, Dr. Jones believes that “we have very effective regulations [regarding] termiticide...and every state has a regulatory agency that is responsive to consumer complaints...from people that have had issues with application of a product.”

While this may hold true at the moment, the current mandate of curbing regulations in the EPA is worth keeping an eye on to make sure that effective health and environmental protection is maintained and, whenever possible, expanded.

Oils, Worms, and Temperature Control

Not all treatment options need to use termiticides to be effective. When used correctly, natural substances and non-chemical methods can provide a measure of control and resistance against infestation.

  • Orange oil, the essential oil extracted from the fruit’s rind, can be applied as a spot treatment for areas infested by termites in order to kill them. However, it is only effective against drywood termites in a limited infestation area and will not work against larger infestations or subterranean termites.

  • Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), also called beneficial nematodes, are microscopic roundworms that serve as biological pest control for several types of insects, and sometimes used against termites. They are an affordable and popular form of DIY pest control but, as Dr. Jones explains, "research to date has indicated the EPNs are ineffective for termite control in real-world settings. Termites readily detect dead and dying nest mates and simply wall off areas with nematode-infected termites, hence preventing the spread of EPNs throughout the colony."

  • Heat and cold treatments are non-chemical methods of termite control that can be administered by licensed technicians. They can be used as spot treatments or for whole structures and are generally used only for drywood termites. Since these treatments call for either high temperatures or the use of liquid nitrogen as a freezing agent, special care needs to be taken so as not to cause damage to the structure.

All these options notwithstanding, in a broad sense, prevention might be the “greenest” solution of all. But, how should you go about that?

Avoiding future infestations

I Don’t Want This to Ever Happen Again

There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the likelihood of termites, says Dr. Jones, including:

  • Reducing the amount of wood next to the foundation of the structure. Things like using wood-based mulch is not a good idea since it’s a source of food for termites.

  • Reducing wood-to-soil contact to minimize the termite’s ability to transition from the soil to the wood.

  • Maintaining proper downspouts, making sure they work correctly and that the water is flowing away from the structure.

  • Not disturbing any soil that has been treated with termiticide or bait stations so as not to destroy the chemical barrier that protects the foundation or nullify the treatment’s effectiveness.

  • Reducing moisture around the home by having proper overheads and gutters.

Aside from these helpful suggestions, you should also listen to your termite control specialist and follow their instructions. They may advise you to weatherize your home, for example, by sealing cracks or fixing screens to minimize re-infestation. And it’s worth mentioning again: do not disturb areas that have been treated with liquid barriers or where bait stations have been installed. This can completely negate any protection they were providing.

On the other hand, sometimes we might get carried away and attempt to treat termite infestations by ourselves. A well-intentioned application of chemicals can actually exacerbate the problem: some treatments, instead of eliminating termites, can force them to spread in different directions, multiplying your problem.

Lastly, if you spot termite activity in a neighbor's house or on public property, notify the neighbor or the local agencies so that they may take steps to resolve the problem, and start setting up your own perimeter barriers to protect yourself.

What To Watch Out For When Buying Termite Control

Guarantees

As we’ve mentioned, choosing a company that provides satisfaction guarantees is the preferred option. But these guarantees need to be stipulated in the service contract and looked at before signing any piece of paper or committing to a treatment plan.

Many times, the service guarantee requires a yearly inspection which carries an additional cost apart from the treatment applied. Companies will re-treat the area or refund the money as long as the treatment plan is active. Other companies have 30-day guarantees after the initial method is implemented.

Be aware, though, of the language used. Any modifications on your property, such as enhancements, additions, or alterations, can affect the applied method of extermination and void any re-treatment guarantee, preventing proper eradication of the termites. In this sense, we recommend asking the termite control company what type of damage is covered under the guarantee and what the possible voiding factors are.

We interviewed Valerie D., who experienced a termite infestation in her house and contracted the services of a local pest control company. A liquid treatment was agreed upon, which required drilling into some concrete slabs. When a technician accidentally hit a pipe, the area started to flood. Her advice: “Make sure that the company you hire guarantees to take responsibility for any damage they might cause. I didn’t check beforehand, but was lucky they fixed the problem. If not, I was looking at several hundred dollars worth of damage.”

Always Get 3 Quotes

To determine your most cost-effective option, and to make sure that you’re getting the treatment you need, we recommend talking to at least three companies. Some offer free online quote processes through which they call you and provide an estimate. However, these estimates do not necessarily reflect your final costs, since a termite control professional must first inspect the problem area and determine a plan of action.

The good news is that many termite control companies offer free inspections. This way you can assess firsthand the way the company works and compare prices and methods with other service providers.

Certifications, Regulatory Organizations, and Other Accreditations

Handling pesticides and using them to treat an area is a regulated activity, and definitely not something that any Tom, Dick or Harry can or should do. Termite control companies must be accredited by the state to be able to operate legally. Customers can and should require accreditation documents or licenses before choosing a provider.

In addition, a detailed data sheet on the materials and chemicals that are used for the treatment should be provided beforehand. Termite control professionals that cannot or will not provide the requested documents should be passed over in favor of those that do.


FAQs about Termite Control Services


Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?

Although homeowners insurance is meant to protect a person’s property (including the home’s structure and the belongings it contains), it generally does not cover termite damage. The reasoning is that, unlike the damage caused by a fire, storm, or other types of accident, insurers consider termites an avoidable peril. It falls upon the homeowner to perform regular home maintenance and prevent any type of infestation before it takes place. However, homeowners insurance policies vary greatly in their comprehensiveness and coverage restrictions. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider or agent to understand the extent to which you’re covered.


Does business insurance cover termite damage?

In much the same way as homeowners insurance secures structures and property, business insurance exists to protect commercial enterprises against perils that could damage their physical work space or impede their capacity to operate. Business insurance typically won’t cover workplace damage created by a termite infestation. Nonetheless, as is the case for any insurance policy, contacting the insurer and going over the details of the contract to understand what is and isn’t covered.

 


Our Termite Control Services Review Summed Up

Company NameBest for
Terminix Termite ControlNational Termite Control Company
Orkin Termite ControlComprehensive Termite Control Company
Ehrlich Pest ControlRegional Company (Eastern States)
Western ExterminatorRegional Company (Western States)
Presto-X Termite ControlRegional Company (Central States)
Truly Nolen Termite ControlRegional Company (Mixed Bag of States)
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