I won’t bury the lead: structural fumigation is the most effective way to fight a termite infestation. But does that mean it’s the best? Well, it depends what your definition of “best” is.
In the State of California, structural fumigation is viewed as the only guaranteed method of exterminating a termite infestation. However, a fumigation isn’t always necessary – and if it’s not a necessary pest control method, how can it be the best?
Wait – I can beat termites without a fumigation?
Technically, yes, but it’s not common. A termite infestation doesn’t go from “0 to 100” like a Drake song – it takes time for the infestation to get out of hand. In the early days of your termite problem, termites will be isolated to one area of the house – probably not far from where they entered the home. When the infestation is small and isolated like this, it’s much easier to fight.
What do you mean?
Well, there are more options in those situations. For instance, you can try to use termicide (termite poison) to eliminate the entire colony, or you can introduce poison bait traps. Some pest control companies have their own preferred methods for dealing with small termite infestations, such as the Electro Gun. Despite the straight-out-of-1997 website design, the Electro Gun is a completely non-toxic, safe and effective method of fighting termites.
OK. What happens when the infestation grows?
Once termites have spread throughout the home, it becomes increasingly difficult to get to them all. Spot treatments work better when the termites are all in one concentrated area – once the infestation is large, there will be stray termites all over the property; making it virtually impossible to eradicate them all.
So why isn’t fumigation the “best” treatment method?
Two primary factors: convenience and cost. Of all of the treatment options we’ve discussed, fumigation is easily the most expensive. And those other treatment options can be tried while you’re still in the home – fumigation will require you to vacate the premises for multiple days, remove your pets and medications and find alternative lodging. It’s quite a hassle.
