Termite Control Methods and Treatment
Domain 3: Termite Control Methods and Treatment
This domain tests the major termite treatment strategies used in Florida, when each is appropriate, and the legal weight of the pesticide label. Questions often ask you to choose a method for a described infestation or to spot a misapplication.
Soil-applied liquid termiticides
- Preconstruction: apply to soil before the slab, footings, trenches, plumbing penetrations, bath traps, and block voids; the goal is a continuous treated zone.
- Postconstruction: trench and rod along the foundation, inject through slabs or voids, and treat accessible soil.
- Repellent products (bifenthrin, permethrin, cypermethrin) deter termites from treated soil; they do not eliminate the colony.
- Non-repellent products (fipronil, imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, indoxacarb) are not detected by termites, so foragers contact and transfer the active ingredient; they can reduce colony activity.
- The label is law under FIFRA: dilution, rate, application volume, and site must match.
Baits
Bait stations contain a cellulose matrix plus a slow-acting toxicant such as noviflumuron, diflubenzuron, lufenuron, novaluron, or sulfluramid. Termites feed and transfer the material; colony decline takes weeks to months. Baits require monitoring and follow-up; they are not an instant barrier.
Fumigation and drywood termite treatments
- Structural fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride under tarp is used for extensive drywood termite infestations; it leaves no residual and requires a licensed fumigator, clearance, and re-entry monitoring.
- Localized drywood treatments include injection, foam, dusts, borate treatments, heat, microwave, and electrocution. Wood replacement and moisture control are often part of the job.
Physical and cultural controls
Stainless-steel mesh, sand, or crushed-stone barriers; grading; gutters; removal of wood-soil contact; and moisture repair all reduce risk.
Worked example
A slab-on-grade home has active subterranean termites in a bathroom wall. A technician proposes only a repellent spray around the exterior foundation. Reasoning: a repellent perimeter may divert termites but will not eliminate an active colony inside the wall. The better plan is to treat accessible soil by trenching, rodding, and injection at penetrations, consider a non-repellent or bait program, and treat the wall void by an appropriate labeled method. Document everything.
Traps that cost marks
- Expecting a repellent to wipe out a colony.
- Using a soil termiticide for drywood termites.
- Treating a bait station as a barrier.
- Over-applying or mixing products off-label.
- Fumigating without clearance or re-entry monitoring.
- Skipping re-inspection and documentation.