Repellent Vs. Non-Repellent Termite Treatments

When dealing with termite problems, your pest control specialist has a variety of treatment options to choose from. These include repellent and non-repellent termiticides. The following takes a look at the various advantages and disadvantages that each type offers.

Pros and Cons of Repellent Termiticides

Just as the name implies, repellent termiticides actively work to prevent termites from entering the treated structure and leaving behind a pheromone trail for others to follow. Nearly every repellent termiticide on the market contains pyrethroid, an organic compound similar to that produced by chrysanthemums and other flowers in the pyrethrum family. This compound has a low level of toxicity to mammals, but it acts as a highly potent nerve poison when termites are exposed to it.

The idea of using repellent termiticides is to create a complete barrier that termites will actively avoid. This form of treatment acts as a double-edged sword, however, since termites will also go out of their way to avoid the poison that could potentially kill them. It can also be difficult to create a perfect barrier around an existing structure, leaving potential gaps where termites can get through. When there is a perfect barrier, the treatment itself remains effective for several years.

Pros and Cons of Non-Repellent Termiticides

Non-repellent termiticides, on the other hand, are designed to be undetectable by most termites. These treatments use a wide variety of slow-acting active ingredients that gradually poison the pests as they forage and feed. For example, the active ingredient imidocloprid addresses the termite threat by disrupting its nervous system, preventing it from feeding and grooming itself. Even when exposed to small amounts, coming into contact with the ingredient can cause termites to become lethargic and succumb to starvation and soil fungi infestation.

The main downside is that non-repellent termiticides don't prevent termites from invading a structure. However, the slow-acting nature of the termiticide allows a large number of termites to come into contact with it. This makes non-repellent termiticides ideal for targeted applications around entry points as well as areas of potential or ongoing infestations.

Additional Considerations

The effectiveness of repellent and non-repellent termiticides depends on the form of application. Liquids and foams are the most common avenue of soil termite treatments. These treatments allow for high degree of accuracy, but they often pose a contamination risk near bodies of fresh water. Bait treatments are capable of controlling a broader area, but poor placement can negatively impact its effectiveness.