When someone starts to discuss liquid termiticide treatment, they usually mention trenches and holes drilled into concrete. Many homeowners start to worry about backhoes and other heavy equipment tearing up the landscaping. In fact, a single technician can do most termite treatments using only hand tools.
The treatment of a normal home can take several hours. The technician will usually need to have the truck parked in the driveway. It is often convenient for the homeowner to move the family car so it won”t be blocked if it is needed.
The procedure for making a termiticide application is usually explained in detail on the termiticide label. In many states, the homeowner receives a copy of the termiticide label before the treatment starts. Many pest control companies provide a diagram of the home that shows the details of the treatment.
To apply the termiticide barrier correctly, the technician will need to make a shallow trench next to the foundation. The purpose of the trench is to contain the termiticide next to the foundation. The trench is usually only a few inches deep. Depending on the type of soil, the technician can normally make the trench with a pick or a shovel.
If the footer of the foundation is close to the surface of the soil, the technician can make the treatment by
pouring the termiticide into the trench. The termiticide label specifies how much termiticide is applied.
Basement floors are often much deeper than the outside ground level. To treat the outside of a basement home, the technician will normally use a hollow rod at the end of the treating tool. The rod is used to apply termiticide on the side of the foundation all the way down to the footer. Some state regulations and some termiticide labels may limit the depth for this treatment, so it might not extend to the footer.
While he is treating the trench, the technician will slowly replace the soil in the trench. As the soil is replaced
in the trench, it will absorb some of the termiticide. This way, all of the soil next to the foundation will be
treated. When the treatment is finished, the technician makes the top of the soil smooth and level.
Many homes have porches, patios, or sidewalks around the outside. The technician normally drills ½” holes in the concrete in order to apply termiticide next to the foundation. The spacing of the holes will depend on the type of soil that is under the concrete.
Sometimes the technician has to use a hollow rod to apply the termiticide down through the holes in the concrete. After the treatment has been completed, the technician will plug the holes in the concrete. Finally, all of the holes will be patched with concrete.
The technician can answer any questions before the treatment or after the work is completed.