Termites can inflict much damage to your home in a short amount of time. While there are various ways to cure termites, termite killers are among the quickest and most effective, which is crucial when dealing with highly destructive pests like termites. There are many termite killers in the market, and deciding which one to use might be difficult. This page goes over the various anti-termite chemicals in the market in detail.
Since termites are notoriously tough to locate, you must be sure you have termites before beginning treatment. Termites can leave several detectable symptoms, including:
Symptoms of termite
1. Peeling paint
Termites can tunnel through your walls, leaving bubbling, elevated, or flaking paint behind. They allow moisture to penetrate the paint on the wall, resulting in bubbles. This termite infestation warning looks a lot like water damage.
2. Mud tubes
Termites build mud tubes out of little fragments of wood and earth to shelter themselves from predators. These are small tunnels made of wood and soil that run the length of your walls and are approximately the width of a pencil. Subterranean termites usually cause mud tubes.
3. Hollow wood
Termites are wood-destroying insects, and wood damage is one of the best methods to spot a termite infestation. If your wood sounds hollow when you tap it, you may have termites devouring it from the inside out. It is a sure sign that you have a termite problem.
4. Frass
Frass, often known as solid termite excrement, is a sure sign that termites are present. Small pellets near woodwork could be termite dung, indicating a close colony.
5. Discarded wings
When termites swarm, they shed their wings in large numbers and leave them behind. You may have a termite infestation if you see abandoned wings similar to fish scales.
Types of termite control chemicals
Termite killers are of two categories: liquid termiticides and baits. Different termite killers are required for various situations.
1. Direct liquid treatment
A direct liquid treatment, often known as a “spot treatment,” uses poison transmission to kill termites. Professionals in this field drill holes in the woodwork and inject or apply foam to existing cracks and crevices. Termites are “non-repellent” to liquid termite sprays, which means they don’t detect the poison before contact. The poison spreads after termites return to their colony after coming into touch with it.
2. Baits
Termite baits are poison-filled traps discreetly placed around the perimeter of your property. Baits, like liquid barriers, rely on termites to detect the poison and bring it back to their colony, where it can spread to additional termites. Termites are attracted to the poisoned wood, cellulose, or paper used in the baits. Worker termites come upon the baits, eat them, and transmit the poison to their colony.
3. Liquid barriers
By digging a tiny trench and adding termite poison to it, liquid barriers establish a protective barrier around the perimeter of your property. Because these treatments are non-repellent, termites are unaware of them and take the poison back to the colony when they come across it. Unlike Direct Liquid treatments that kill on touch, the Liquid Barrier doesn’t kill right away; instead, it works to eliminate the colony from the inside out.
The Top 5 termite killers of 2024
1. Taurus SC liquid termiticide
One of the best termite killers available is this very potent, highly concentrated termiticide. Dig a six-inch trench around the perimeter of your home and pour the solution in about every ten feet. Taurus SC is a powerful termite killer because termites cannot detect it. They cross it and bring the poison back to the colony, “infecting” the other termites. Taurus SC is not as quick-acting as other termiticides, but it is more comprehensive. It is also effective on wasps, ants, centipedes, roaches, and other pests. Taurus SC is the ideal solution for your problem if you have a garden or your house is composed of wood and the region is afflicted with termites. It is most effective when applied to the home’s foundation or basement. You can choose the quantity you require based on the size of the surface you intend to use the insecticide.
Pros
- They kill termites at the source.
- Pet-friendly.
- Effective against termites and other pests.
Cons
- More expensive than other termite control options.
- It takes time for results to appear.
- The application requires a lot of effort.
2. BioAdvanced termite killer
BioAdvanced termite killer is a granule-based termite killer that is effective and simple to apply. Before using the chemical, it must be combined with water. Due to the wetness, the granules will break down, releasing the active substance into the soil. The key ingredient in this termite killer is very poisonous to insects, but mainly innocuous to humans. The therapy kills existing nests within a month and can safeguard the home for six months. This termite treatment can only be used outside due to the activation process, but it is a fantastic perimeter defence option in the yard. It is a highly effective treatment that will assist you in permanently eradicating termites.
Pros
- Easy-to-use.
- 6-month protection, long-term results.
- Protects your home by creating a protective barrier around it.
Cons
- Suitable for outdoor use only.
- Not ideal for the winter season.
3. Termidor foam termiticide/insecticide
Termidor foam is a fantastic product since, unlike many bait and barrier solutions, it can be used inside your home. Unlike a spray, this foam functions differently. You can spray foam into as many hard-to-reach locations as you desire because it grows up to 30 times in volume. To dilute the solution, you won’t need any additional equipment. It is ideal for persons with hectic schedules and those dealing with termites for the first time because it saves time and effort. Carpenter ants stink bugs, carpenter bees, and various other pests are all treated with BASF termidor foam termiticide. It has no odour; thus, there will be no unpleasant odours in your home.
Pros
- Indoor use is safe.
- We can use a single application for up to a month.
- A ready-to-use, lightweight bottle.
Cons
- It may not work as well as baits or barriers.
- Will not protect the perimeter of your home.
- Only effective in small regions.
4. Spectracide terminate
Spectracide terminate is a two-in-one device with termite activity detection with pop-up indications and foraging termite stakes. Pesticide-filled baits are strewn across 15 stakes by spectracide terminate. The termite indicator is straightforward, and it appears as soon as the termite accepts the bait. Termites will pick up the poison and transport it back to their colony, spreading it to the rest of the termites. It’s simple to use and install in a matter of minutes. Moisture-rich locations, such as places with poor drainage, are more attractive to termites. It’s recommended to place the stakes there. The procedure can take a few days to a few months to notice any results against termites, so it’s important to monitor it and replace the stakes at least once a year to ensure continued protection.
Pros
- Installation is simple.
- Spraying isn’t necessary.
- Detects termite activity.
Cons
- Only for minor infestations.
- Not to be used near ponds because it’s potentially hazardous to aquatic life.
- Requires Monitoring.
5. Bonide systemic insect control
Bonide systemic insect control is a granule-based termite killer that poisons termites while attacking plants or other adjacent organic material. It is not an insecticide to use on fruits or vegetables, as it can be hazardous to people if consumed. Place the granules in the soil around your home or non-edible plants to use them, then water them. The granules will then sink into the soil and plant roots, protecting them from insects. Imidacloprid, the active ingredient in this insecticide, kills gnats, mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, and termites and acts as a fungicide to protect your houseplants. You must soak the granules into the soil for using this product on grass or other plants. The insecticide is subsequently absorbed into the roots, protecting them for eight weeks.
Pros
- No mess or spraying.
- Safe to use indoors and outdoors.
- Lasts up to 8 weeks per application.
Cons
- May harm hummingbirds and bees.
- Not safe for vegetable gardens.