Termites: Alternatives to Poisonous Insecticides

A health-conscious new direction is evolving in the termite control industry. While there are no true standards in place that define "green" termite treatments, many pest control companies offer a variety of termite remedies that are non-toxic to humans and pets.

There are different species of termites. Different controls are effective on different kinds of termites. Other factors that can influence your treatment options are if you are interested in prevention for a new construction, the type of building construction, or the extent of an existing termite infestation.

Biological Controls: Certain species of nematodes that live in the soil and feed on termite larvae are effective against some termite species. Certain ants are also used as biological controls.

Botanical Oils: Orange oil is an effective, non-toxic treatment for colonies of drywood termites with definable boundaries. The active compound in orange oil is d-limonene. Orange oil is injected into infested wood; termites that come in contact with the oil or eat it will dehydrate and die. It is effective for up to two days, so reapplication is necessary to kill developing offspring.

Neem oil is another insecticidal plant-based treatment. Neem oil is derived from the Asian neem tree. Neem products affect termites that eat them or come in direct contact with them. Neem products are slow-acting. Although several applications are necessary, neem is safe for humans and animals.

Non-Toxic Controls: Treatments using excessive heat or cold will kill termites. Electronic methods may also work. Your pest control professional must have access to the entire exposed termite colony for these treatments to be used.

Borates: Borates are effective against subterranean termites as well as many other wood-destroying insects. Sodium borate powder interferes with termites' digestion. The powder can be injected into drywood termite colonies as a treatment, but there is no way to ensure that the powder reaches the entire colony. Liquid solutions of sodium borate may be more effective than powder. Although liquid borate solutions may filter into deeper channels of a termite colony, it is difficult to know how deeply the liquid solution penetrates the wood because the treatment is a surface application that only seeps in. Borate solutions are often painted or sprayed onto new wood construction to prevent termite infestations. As a treatment for existing termite colonies, borate treatments are slow-acting and several applications are necessary. Seek professional help to make sure the entire colony is completely destroyed.

Sources:
http://www.eswoodtreatment.com/pdf/esptreatingprocess.pdf
http://www.termites.com/control/green-organic-treatments/